What happens to sand when lighting strikes it ?

Question

I have seen several movies that shows a formation of sorts is this true?

Answer 1

When lightning strikes the ground, another natural phenomena occurs. Central Florida is almost all sand. I can dig down as far as I can in my back yard, or front yard, and all I can find is nice clean white sand. When lightning strikes this, the sand is heated to the point where the sand melts and fuses along the path or paths of the current. This forms a glass like artifact that is sometimes hollow and is called a Fulgurite. The Fulgurites in the picture are about 3 inches long. Fulgurites are very fragile, but if dug up carefully, can be found to be arranged like the roots of a tree and be many yards long. Fulgurites can be found almost anywhere in the world where lightning strikes the ground, whether it is sand, dirt or rock. The trick is in finding them, recognizing what they are, and excavating them without too much breakage.

Answer 2

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RE:
What happens to sand when lighting strikes it ?
I have seen several movies that shows a formation of sorts is this true?

Answer 3

I have to add that while it is true, they do not turn out like they are in the movies...Raising Arizona (right?) They are crusted with sand and look like a rock as apposed to smooth, clear glass.

Answer 4

the heat of the lightening cause the sand to melt into glass. if you ever see that happening wait for the area to cool, then get a shovel and dig it up, you will see one of the many wonders of natrue. the glass you dig up will look like flame but made of glass. yes it is ture

Answer 5

it some times fuses into glass due to the extreme temperature inherent in lightening strikes. i think it is near 50,000 degrees F.

Answer 6

yes, it can happen. It can form a tube-like object called a fulgurite

Answer 7

Melts and turns to glass!

Answer 8

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