They Took the First Ever Picture of “Thunder” Wow

Here is a bit more on thunder from wikipedia:

Experimental studies of simulated lightning have produced results largely consistent with this model, though there is continued debate about the precise physical mechanisms of the process.[4][1] Other causes have also been proposed, relying on electrodynamic effects of the massive current acting on the plasma in the bolt of lightning.[5] The shockwave in thunder is sufficient to cause injury, such as internal contusion, to individuals nearby.[6]

Inversion thunder results when lightning strikes between cloud and ground occur during a temperature inversion. In such an inversion, the air near the ground is cooler than the higher air. The sound energy is prevented from dispersing vertically as it would in a non-inversion and is thus concentrated in the near-ground layer. Inversions often occur when warm moist air passes above a cold front; the resulting thunder sound is significantly louder than it would be if heard at the same distance in a non inversion condition.[7]

We hope you enjoy the video and learned something about this cool phenomenon!  The full report is on the below link as well.

thanks to Thomas Sumner of ScienceNews.org



Pages: 1 2

10 Comments

  2. George Meleski said:

    The heated air is illuminated showing the leading edge of the shock wave. Because the return stoke is gone within a few milli seconds and catching that whike also being close enough to capture it at the time of expansion is probably what they are talking about.

    Reply

*

*

Top