Answers to All Your Questions About Lightning, Lightning and Thunder; The General Directorate of Meteorology makes all the measurements related to lightning, lightning and thunder that we encounter especially in rainy weather, and instantly shows where lightning is present in Turkey from the website and mobile application to the service of the citizens.
How is lightning formed?
Lightning is a natural phenomenon caused by high voltage electric fields in the atmosphere. The main source of the formation of electric fields in the atmosphere is the ionization of the atmosphere by the rays from the sun. This ionization occurs by the separation of electrons from atoms and their release in the atmosphere.
The formation of lightning occurs due to the electric potential difference between the two charged regions. Loaded zones often form in storm clouds that are hundreds or thousands of meters high. Due to friction and collision events in the cloud, charged particles separate and particles with the same charge repel each other and form regions with different charges.
As the electric potential difference between these charged regions grows, a “spark jump” occurs, which causes lightning to occur. Sparking occurs when a high-voltage electric current is ionized by the air and causes lightning to start. As a result of this current being ionized by the air, the lightning core is formed and a high voltage current flows through this core.
This high-voltage current ionizes oxygen and nitrogen gases in the atmosphere, causing the visible light and sound phenomena of lightning. Lightning causes high temperatures in the atmosphere during this process, which heats the air molecules, creating a high-pressure shock wave. As a result, visible and audible lightning and thunder are formed.
What is the difference between Lightning and Lightning?
Lightning and lightning are both natural phenomena that occur among electrically charged clouds. However, there are some differences between lightning and lightning.
Lightning is a type of radiation that occurs as a result of the rapid discharge of electrical charges in the atmosphere. It is often seen during thunderstorms and is a visible part of lightning. Lightnings appear as streaks that twist across the sky and are usually white or blue in color.
Lightning, on the other hand, is a very strong electric current that occurs with lightning. Lightning usually occurs between clouds or between clouds and the ground and is caused by the rapid discharge of electrical charges in the atmosphere. Lightning is accompanied by lightning, accompanied by a violent flashing and screaming sound in the sky, and usually appears as a white or blue glow.
In a nutshell, lightning is a visual phenomenon, while lightning is a powerful electric current, accompanied by a violent flashing and screaming sound in the sky.
How does reverse lightning occur?
Also known as "reverse lightning", "high altitude lightning" or "elven lightning" is a rare event in which lightning travels upward. Normal lightning bolts usually travel down through ionized air channels that rise upwards. However, reverse lightning is the situation in which the lightning moves upwards, opposite to its normal direction.
Reverse lightning usually occurs in high altitude tropospheric clouds or in the stratosphere. The formation of these lightnings is different from normal lightning and occurs as a result of the electric fields in the atmosphere moving in the opposite direction.
In normal lightning, charged particles move up from the ground, while in reverse lightning, charged particles move down from high altitudes. This motion occurs because electric fields move in opposite directions in regions where the atmosphere is less frequent at high altitudes.
Reverse lightning is generally less violent than normal lightning and contains less energy. However, these lightning strikes are thought to have significant effects on ozone and nitrate ions in the atmosphere. These effects include ozone depletion and chemical reactions that can have an impact on global climate change.
Exactly why reverse lightning occurs is still not fully understood, and this phenomenon continues to be investigated.
Where does lightning strike the most in Turkey?
Turkey is located in a very intense geography in terms of lightning activity. Although the frequency of lightning strikes can vary in different parts of the country, it is generally more common in high mountain areas, plateaus and coastal areas.
Eastern Anatolia, Southeastern Anatolia, Central Anatolia, Black Sea, Mediterranean and Aegean regions are among the most intense regions of Turkey in terms of lightning strikes. In these regions, the average number of lightning strikes per year can vary between 5 and 15 million.
High mountainous areas and plateaus are among the areas with a higher risk of lightning strikes. Especially the steppe areas around the Euphrates, Tigris and Kızılırmak rivers and the high altitude regions of the Taurus Mountains are among the more risky areas for lightning strikes.
However, lightning is not a phenomenon limited to geographical regions. Tall structures, trees and metal objects, especially in open areas, can pose a potential hazard for lightning strikes. Therefore, it should not be forgotten that the risk of lightning strikes is always present and necessary precautions should be taken.
How is thunder formed?
Thunder is a natural phenomenon caused by the formation of lightning. Lightning is caused by charged particles ionizing the air in the atmosphere. This ionized air can explode with high temperature and pressure differences, appearing as lightning.
After the lightning strikes, the air in the channel where the lightning occurs suddenly heats up and expands. This expansion moves the surrounding air at high speed and creates a violent pressure wave. This pressure wave hits our ears and is heard as thunder.
Thunder can be heard more intensely when it occurs near lightning. This is because the speed of sound changes depending on factors such as humidity, temperature and pressure in the atmosphere. The sound of lightning can be heard even at high altitudes, where the speed of sound varies depending on factors such as temperature and humidity in the atmosphere.
Thunder can be heard shortly after lightning occurs and often follows lightning. However, sometimes when lightning occurs in a distant location or is low in intensity, the thunder may be very faint or not audible at all.
Although thunder is sometimes perceived as just a powerful sound, it actually has a very important function in nature. For example, it can help plants grow by dissolving moisture in the atmosphere and provides fresh air by activating the air.
Benefits of thunder
Thunder has many benefits in nature. Here are some benefits of thunder:
Helps plants grow: Thunder dissolves moisture in the air, due to the balancing of electrical charges in the atmosphere. This moisture is one of the sources of water that is important for the growth of plants.
Helps to clean the air: Thunder cleans the air by causing the air to move. Pollution and dirty particles accumulated in the air, especially in cities, are cleaned with thunder.
Increases the amount of oxygen in the air: Thunder increases the amount of oxygen in the air. The amount of oxygen in the air may decrease due to high temperatures, but the amount of oxygen in the air increases with thunder.
Electrical energy caused by lightning: Lightning is an electrical energy that occurs as a result of the rapid movement of electrical charges. This energy can be used in places such as power grids caused by lightning strikes.
Helps rain down: Thunder is often thought of as a harbinger of rain. Lightning causes rain to fall by changing the temperature and pressure when the air is humid.
Thunder, as a part of nature, has many benefits. However, sometimes it can be very severe and have harmful consequences. In particular, consequences such as lightning strikes, fires and power outages may be encountered.
How many volts and how many amps does lightning produce?
The voltage of lightning can vary depending on various factors. But usually the average voltage of lightning is about 1 million volts. In some cases this value may be even higher and will vary depending on the object at the lightning strike point. However, in addition to the high voltage, the lightning current is also quite high, and it is possible for an instantaneous current to exceed 100.000 amperes at the moment of impact. Therefore, it should not be forgotten that lightning can be dangerous for people, animals and structures.