Thunderbolts

Do you often wonder what happens to the lightning that bolts across the sky during a raging thunderstorm? Where does it go when it disappears into the ground? As children, we're often told that lightning bolts are swallowed up by the earth, like water disappearing into a thirsty sponge. While this isn't entirely inaccurate, it's also not the whole truth. In reality, lightning bolts do more than just vanish into the ground.

When lightning strikes the earth, it tends to travel along the path of least resistance. This is usually through water, metal, or other conductive materials. When lightning finds a suitable conductor, it can travel for miles underground before dissipating its energy.

So, what happens to the energy from the lightning bolt once it's underground? Well, it transforms into heat and creates a superheated channel of plasma in the ground. This channel can be several feet long and a few inches wide, and it can persist for a few days or even weeks after the lightning strike.

While these superheated channels are fascinating, they can also be dangerous. They can cause underground explosions, which can damage buried infrastructure and even trigger wildfires. However, these channels can also be beneficial. They can create pathways for groundwater to flow, and they can help accelerate the decomposition of organic matter.

So, the next time you see lightning strike the ground, remember that it's not just disappearing. It's creating a superheated channel of plasma that can have a variety of effects, both positive and negative. Who knew that lightning could be so complex?

• Fun Fact: The temperature inside a lightning bolt can reach up to 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is five times hotter than the surface of the sun!
• Did You Know? Lightning bolts can travel at speeds of up to 200,000 miles per hour, which is faster than the speed of sound!

So, there you have it. The next time you see lightning strike the ground, remember that it's not just disappearing. It's creating a superheated channel of plasma that can have a variety of effects, both positive and negative. Stay safe and enjoy the show!