Question

Research indicates that most lightning strikes occur in which of the following conditions?

a. Within 8┬░ C of the freezing level.
b. Within 5,000 feet of the freezing level.
c. In light precipitation (including snow), in clouds (including debris clouds), in light or negligible turbulence.
d. all of the above.

Answer 1

In a cloud-to-cloud lightning strike, the area of the cloud struck by lightning had a positive charge, indicating that lightning occurs when negative charges in a cloud are attracted to positive charges. This is influenced by variations and reversals in local electric fields during storm conditions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Research indicates that most lightning strikes occur in a variety of conditions, with multiple factors influencing the likelihood of a strike. One key aspect determining when and where lightning occurs is related to the charges within the clouds. In the scenario of a cloud-to-cloud lightning strike, if we observe an area of the cloud being struck by lightning, it is reasonable to assume that the area had a positive charge. This is because, in such events, the negative charges within a cloud seek out positively charged areas, resulting in the discharge that we see as lightning.

Moreover, lightning formation is closely related to the conditions within storm clouds and their surrounding environment. Variations in the local electric fields, which can grow larger and reverse in direction under storm conditions, play a crucial role in the distribution of charge and the subsequent occurrence of lightning strikes.