What scientists know about lightning formation in storm clouds may be changing.
Recently, the problem of lightning initiation seemed to be solved with the discovery of “fast positive breakdown” of air, which matched the theory long held by lightning researchers. Fast positive breakdown involves the downward development of a pathway in the cloud, moving from the positive charge at the top of the cloud to the negative charge in the middle of the cloud. The pathway forms at one-fifth the speed of light and can trigger lightning.
According to an article in Phys.org, a Japanese study found that NBEs are found at relatively high altitudes in thunderclouds. The article points out that "Based on their observations, the authors suggest that there is a critical cloud height—around 15 kilometers altitude—below which negative narrow bipolar discharges will not occur." This means that they may be useful for studying other aspects of formation, structure, and storm height.
NBEs can be positive or negative discharges. However, the characteristic most relevant to the new study is that NBEs emit the strongest radio frequency radiation from lightning. Such emissions can be detected by radio wave detectors. This study used something called a The"So What?" factor from this study is that lightning can be a significant hazard for people, airplanes and our infrastructure.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
A New Study Challenges What We Know About Lightning FormationWhat scientists know about lightning formation in storm clouds may be changing.
Read more »
Brazil is leading LATAM in payments innovation, according to a new studyBI PRIME: Brazil is leading Latin America (LATAM) in payments technology innovation, as highlighted by a recent Visa study.
Read more »
There's a surprising financial upside to feeling insecure, new study findsThere's a surprising upside to feeling insecure, new study finds via CNBCMakeIt
Read more »
U.K. Is Leading Driverless Car Race, Says New StudyThe country leads the world in infrastructure to facilitate autonomous vehicles, according to a new study.
Read more »
More deaths have been associated with kratom than previously known, CDC study findsA new CDC report finds that more deaths have been linked to kratom than previously reported.
Read more »
Physical ATM attacks in Europe were on the rise for the fourth consecutive year in 2018Physical ATM attacks in Europe were on the rise for the fourth consecutive year in 2018, according to a study from EAST.
Read more »
Longevity in rich countriesA new study suggests South Koreans will have the world’s highest life expectancy by 2030
Read more »