Lightning is a sudden electrostatic discharge that occurs during an electrical storm. source
Lightning is a sudden electrostatic discharge that occurs during an electrical storm.
This discharge occurs between electrically charged regions of a cloud (called intra-cloud lightning or IC), between two clouds (CC lightning). source
This discharge occurs between electrically charged regions of a cloud (called intra-cloud lightning or IC), between two clouds (CC lightning).
Lightning causes light in the form of plasma, and sound in the form of thunder. source
Lightning causes light in the form of plasma, and sound in the form of thunder.
Lightning may be seen and not heard when it occurs at a distance too great for the sound to carry as far as the light from the strike or flash. source
Lightning may be seen and not heard when it occurs at a distance too great for the sound to carry as far as the light from the strike or flash.
On Earth, the lightning frequency is approximately 40–50 times a second or nearly 1.4 billion flashes per year. source
On Earth, the lightning frequency is approximately 40–50 times a second or nearly 1.4 billion flashes per year.
Many factors affect the frequency, distribution, strength and physical properties of a typical lightning flash in a particular region of the world. source
Many factors affect the frequency, distribution, strength and physical properties of a typical lightning flash in a particular region of the world.
To a certain degree, the ratio between IC, CC and CG lightning may also vary by season in middle latitudes. source
To a certain degree, the ratio between IC, CC and CG lightning may also vary by season in middle latitudes.
Because human beings are terrestrial and most of their possessions are on the Earth where lightning can damage or destroy them. source
Because human beings are terrestrial and most of their possessions are on the Earth where lightning can damage or destroy them.
CG lightning is the most studied and best understood of the three types, even though IC and CC are more common types of lightning. source
CG lightning is the most studied and best understood of the three types, even though IC and CC are more common types of lightning.
Lightning's relative unpredictability limits a complete explanation of how or why it occurs, even after hundreds of years of scientific investigation. source
Lightning's relative unpredictability limits a complete explanation of how or why it occurs, even after hundreds of years of scientific investigation.
A typical cloud to ground lightning flash culminates in the formation of an electrically conducting plasma channel through the air in excess of 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) tall. source
A typical cloud to ground lightning flash culminates in the formation of an electrically conducting plasma channel through the air in excess of 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) tall.
Lightning primarily occurs when warm air is mixed with colder air masses. source
Lightning primarily occurs when warm air is mixed with colder air masses.
Hurricanes typically generate some lightning, mainly in the rainbands as much as 160 kilometres (99 mi) from the center. source
Hurricanes typically generate some lightning, mainly in the rainbands as much as 160 kilometres (99 mi) from the center.
The science of lightning is called fulminology, and the fear of lightning is called astraphobia. source
The science of lightning is called fulminology, and the fear of lightning is called astraphobia.
Lightning is not distributed evenly around the planet, as shown in the map. source
Lightning is not distributed evenly around the planet, as shown in the map.
About 70% of lightning occurs over land in the tropics where atmospheric convection is the greatest. source
About 70% of lightning occurs over land in the tropics where atmospheric convection is the greatest.
In general, cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning flashes account for only 25% of all total lightning flashes worldwide. source
In general, cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning flashes account for only 25% of all total lightning flashes worldwide.
Lightning is usually produced by cumulonimbus clouds. source
Lightning is usually produced by cumulonimbus clouds.
The best studied and understood form of lightning is cloud to ground (CG). source
The best studied and understood form of lightning is cloud to ground (CG).
There are three primary types of lightning, defined by what is at the "ends" of a flash channel. source
There are three primary types of lightning, defined by what is at the "ends" of a flash channel.
Cloud-to-ground is the best known and third most common type of lightning. source
Cloud-to-ground is the best known and third most common type of lightning.
CG lightning can occur with both positive and negative polarity. source
CG lightning can occur with both positive and negative polarity.
Lightning discharges may occur between areas of cloud without contacting the ground. source
Lightning discharges may occur between areas of cloud without contacting the ground.