2006-07-17 13:51:59 · 6 answers · asked by wressless 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
Cloud-to-ground lightning is the most damaging and dangerous form of lightning. Although not the most common type, it is the one which is best understood. Most flashes originate near the lower-negative charge center and deliver negative charge to Earth. However, an appreciable minority of flashes carry positive charge to Earth. These positive flashes often occur during the dissipating stage of a thunderstorm's life. Positive flashes are also more common as a percentage of total ground strikes during the winter months.
Intra-cloud lightning is the most common type of discharge. This occurs between oppositely charged centers within the same cloud. Usually the process takes place within the cloud and looks from the outside of the cloud like a diffuse brightening which flickers. However, the flash may exit the boundary of the cloud and a bright channel, similar to a cloud-to-ground flash, can be visible for many miles.
The ratio of cloud-to-ground and intra-cloud lightning can vary significantly from storm to storm. Storms with the greatest vertical development may produce intra-cloud lightning almost exclusively. Some suggest that the variations are latitude-dependent, with a greater percentage of cloud-to-ground strikes occurring at higher latitudes. Others suggest that cloud-top height is a more important variable than latitude.
2006-07-17 15:01:38 · answer #1 · answered by crisagi 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its more a discharge from the ground,its called plasma.Its been filmed.just before the lightening strike.The one I seen was coming from a steel clothes line pole,it appeared to be like 15 feet long.So,I assume it all depends on the cloud - + charge and the ground - + charge.But,it don't go up to the clouds.
2006-07-17 22:33:34 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. I've heard that is usually what happens for ground strikes. Assuming electricity flows from positive to negative...it's usually the ground that is positively charged.
2006-07-17 21:01:37 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes
2006-07-18 02:48:12 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It does- it is an optical illusion that we see when we think it comes from the sky downwards. The earth- having a magnetic force - emits 'charges' - Look into this further. Discuss with those familiar with electromagnetic fields,etc.
2006-07-17 21:18:42 · answer #5 · answered by Star R 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That IS what happens.
2006-07-21 12:03:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋