Lightning strike creates a material seen for the first time on Earth

After lightning struck a tree in New Port Richey, Florida, a team of scientists from the University of South Florida (USF) discovered that this strike led to the formation of a new phosphorous material in a rock. This is the first time such a material has been found in solid form on Earth and could represent a member of a new mineral group.

“We have never seen this material occur naturally on Earth – minerals similar to it can be found in meteorites and space, but we’ve never seen this exact material anywhere,” said study lead author Matthew Pasek, a geoscientist at USF.

According to the researchers, high-energy events such as lightning can sometimes cause unique chemical reactions which, in this particular case, have led to the formation of a new material that seems to be transitional between space minerals and minerals found on Earth.

“When lightning strikes a tree, the ground typically explodes out and the surrounding grass dies, forming a scar and sending electric discharge through nearby rock, soil and sand, forming fulgurites, also known as ‘fossilized lightning,’” Pasek explained.

How lightning created this phosphorous material

In wet environments such as Florida, iron frequently accumulates and encrusts tree roots, and lightning strikes can combust both this iron and the naturally occurring carbon in the tree. In New Port Richey, the combustion of these two elements created a fulgurite resembling a metal ‘glob’ and containing a colorful, crystal-like matter.

The scientists failed in their attempts to recreate this material in the laboratory, suggesting that it likely forms quickly under precise conditions and, if heated too long, transforms into a mineral usually found in meteorites.

Previous studies have argued that lightning reduction of phosphate had been a widespread phenomenon on early Earth and could have played a significant role in the development of life on our planet. However, further research is needed to understand the frequency of such events and the role they played in Earth’s evolution.

The experts concluded that it is unlikely for this material to be mined for uses similar to those of other phosphates (such as fertilizer), considering the rarity of it occurring naturally. 

Lightning – nature’s electrifying spectacle

Lightning, one of nature’s most powerful and captivating phenomena, has enthralled humanity for centuries. These brilliant displays of raw energy punctuate stormy skies, simultaneously inspiring awe and fear. This short-form article delves into the science behind lightning, its formation, and the importance of understanding and respecting this natural wonder.

The Science of Lightning

Lightning is the result of a complex process involving electrical discharges in the atmosphere. It occurs when there is a build-up of electrical energy within a storm cloud, usually a cumulonimbus cloud. This energy accumulates due to the separation of charges within the cloud, where ice crystals in the upper region become positively charged, and heavier, negatively charged particles sink to the lower region.

When the charge separation grows large enough, the electrical potential between the cloud and the ground, or between two different regions within the cloud, reaches a critical threshold. The atmosphere can no longer act as an insulator, and an electrical discharge occurs in the form of a lightning bolt.

Lightning Varieties

There are several types of lightning, including:

1. Intracloud Lightning (IC): Occurs within a single cloud, between regions of differing electrical charges. This is the most common type of lightning.
2. Cloud-to-Ground Lightning (CG): Strikes between the cloud and the ground, with negatively charged leaders connecting to positively charged streamers from the ground.
3. Cloud-to-Cloud Lightning (CC): Flashes between two separate clouds.
4. Ground-to-Cloud Lightning (GC): A less common, upward-moving discharge that originates from the ground.

Safety and Precautions

Lightning is both beautiful and dangerous, causing numerous fatalities and injuries worldwide each year. It is crucial to take precautions and practice lightning safety during thunderstorms. Some general guidelines include:

1. Seek shelter: Find a sturdy, enclosed building or vehicle.
2. Avoid tall structures and open spaces: Lightning tends to strike the tallest object in the area.
3. Stay away from water: Water is a conductor of electricity, increasing the risk of injury.
4. Unplug electronics: Power surges from lightning can damage electronic devices.

Conclusion

Lightning is a fascinating natural phenomenon that showcases the immense power of atmospheric electricity. By understanding its formation and taking necessary precautions, we can appreciate and respect this awe-inspiring spectacle from a safe distance.

The study is published in the journal Nature Communications: Earth & Environment.

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By Andrei Ionescu, Earth.com Staff Writer

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