How are cruise ships protected if they are hit by lightning?
2007-11-01 13:15:51 · 2 answers · asked by facethefacts 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Weather
The metal of the ship acts as a Faraday cage and allow the lightnings electrical charge to go to "ground" in the water with minimal risk to the crew or passengers.
I suspect that there is added protection on the highest points of the ship to help shunt the electricity through to the water also.
The other thing I point out is that cruise ships are mobile. They often will avoid areas of rain and thunderstorms (particularly tropical storms) since they want their passengers the most comfortable and pleasant trip so maybe they will take another cruise later.
2007-11-01 13:30:22 · answer #1 · answered by Water 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Water surface acts as earthing point and if the lightning strikes the ship,it is passed through the metal parts of the ship to the water and thus earthed.
2007-11-03 06:55:07 · answer #2 · answered by Arasan 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋