There are many types of lightning that display specific
traits. The most familiar and second most frequent type is cloud-to-ground
lightning. This type is the most dangerous to life and property as it hits the
ground. There are many other types of lightning that most people are unaware
that they even exist.
Current Types of
Lightning
Bead Lightning – This is a type of cloud-to-ground lightning
that appears as a string of beads. Bead lightning is quite rare and while many
theories have suggested explanations, no conclusive decision has been drawn
upon how it forms.
Ribbon Lightning – This type of lightning occurs during
thunderstorms with a lot of cross-wind action.
Staccato Lightning – Short-duration and a large amount of
branching define this cloud-to-ground lightning strike.
Forked Lightning – This is a fancy term for lightning that
displays branching.
Ground-to-Cloud Lightning – This type occurs when
negatively-charged ions rise up from the ground to positively charged ions in a
cumulonimbus cloud.
Cloud-to-Cloud Lightning – This type of lightning has been
called "heat lightning" because of its great visibility from a large distance
at night. Heat lightning occurs so far away from the viewer that no thunder is
heard. Cloud-to-cloud lightning can either occur between two separate clouds
(inter-cloud lightning) or within the same cloud (intra-cloud lightning).
There are many, many other types of lightning including dry,
rocket, positive, ball, sprites, blue jets, and elves. Lightning can be
triggered by rockets, volcanoes, and lasers.
Newest Types
A new type of lightning was found in Alaska during the Mt.
Redoubt eruption. This new lightning is defined by its short lengths, frequent
occurrences, and that it only lasts for a couple milliseconds. Because the term
"lightning" has no scientific definition other than "a discharge of
electricity," it can be hard to determine what is and is not lightning. One
could argue that the shock you get from touching a metal object could be deemed
lightning.
For more lightning facts, see my previous blog: Underestimating
Lightning May Prove Deadly
Resources:
National
Geographic – New Lightning Type Found Over Volcano?
Tree
Hugger – Scientists Discover a New Form of Lightning
Wikipedia -
Lightning
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Re: Types of Lightning
