Understanding Lightning

By John S. Jensenius, Jr., Lightning Safety Specialist

Lightning is one of the top three storm-related killers in the United States. It is also one of the least understood weather phenomena. Learn more about lightning science at the links below. You can go through the site sequentially for a complete intro to lightning science or pick the topics of interest to you.

• Lightning Science Overview
• Thunderstorm Development
• Thunderstorm Electrification
• Types of Flashes
• Initiation of Leaders
• Negatively-Charged Flash:
  • Initiation of Stepped Leader
  • Making A Connection With The Ground
  • Return Stroke
  • Subsequent Dart Leaders and Return Strokes
  • Slow Motion Video Of Lightning Flashes
  • Ground Current
• Positive Flash
• Upward Leaders/Discharges
• Continuing Current/Hot Lightning
• Thunder
• Acknowledgements And References

Return to lightning Science page