This discussion thread is another example of a great topic to have running here, for the benefit of us all!
Thanks to all persons for contributing data (information), along with Joe Tedesco for bringing the topic here for discussion! Would have to say the question was answered - and then some!
Although this topic is not very related to our Industry directly, the data shown here is very useful to shed some light on the overall effects and mechanics.
This area of Electrophysics is just one in the many many others which are best classified as:
"Whaddaheck???!!!"
The study of Lightning is an in-depth area, along with being extremely interesting! I strongly urge anyone interested in having a complex base knowledge in our Industry to study at least some "Advanced Basics" of this phenomenon.
Now for the "Monkey Wrench"!
Choose one theory to follow:
<OL TYPE=A>
[*] Water - Ice Interface Theory: Theory of energy generated from the freezing of Water into solid Ice,
[*] Friction Theory: Theory of energy generated from Water scraping Electrons while falling through a Cloud,
[*] Thor Theory: Theory of all this stuff being caused by "Thor", the Norse God of Thunder.
</OL>
Have fun!!!
Scott35
p.s. To me, the theory of "A" is more feasible