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Lightening

Lightening occurs as the atmosphere releases electric charge and occurs usually during a thunderstorm.

Lightening can appear in a particular way, visually, and so scientist have come up with names for the different types we see:

Positive lighting - is that 'bolt from the blue' type of lighting that looks like its come from nowhere! This accounts for a very small amount of the lighting we see (only about 5%). It is more usual for this type of lightening to occur during the winter and at the end of a thunderstorm. It is more dangerous that other types of lighting due to the greater power it has.

Anvil to ground lightening - this is a form of positive lighting as it goes from the anvil at the top of a particular type of cloud straight to the ground. These can occur a fair distance from the main storm and have been particularly noted on sunny days. As such, this type of lightening is a sign of a forthcoming storm.

Cloud to cloud lightening - this does what it says on the packet! Lightening is generally passed from the anvil of a cloud to the lower parts of another cloud. As such, it can be seen as flashes of light in the clouds from quite a distance, often without there being any thunder.

Rocket lightening - this is a form of discharge from a cloud and is very rare. It is seen as a big column of light from the bottom of a cloud and is usually horizontal.

Cloud to ground - this is a very common form of lightening and is the most dangerous to buildings and life. It happens when the lighting strikes downwards from the clouds base.

Ribbon lighting - this occurs during a thunderstorm where there is also high winds. The wind blows the return stroke of lightening ever so slightly so there appears to be a rippling 'ribbon' affect to the eyewitness.