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A discharge between two clouds, often seen as lightning, occurs when there is a buildup of electrical charges within the clouds. As these charges separate, typically with positive charges accumulating at the top and negative charges at the bottom, the electric field strength increases. When this field becomes strong enough to overcome the insulating properties of the air, a conductive path forms, allowing for a rapid release of energy in the form of a discharge. This process can also occur between clouds or from a cloud to the ground, creating the bright flash of lightning.
What else can I help you with?
Is there lightning above clouds?
Yes, lightning can occur above clouds. A type of lightning called "cloud-to-cloud" or "anvil crawler" lightning can be seen branching out above storm clouds. This is typically caused by the electrical discharge between different regions within the cloud or between different clouds.
What layer of the atmosphere are alto-stratus clouds in?
Altostratus clouds are found in the middle layer of the atmosphere known as the altocumulus layer, typically between 6,500 to 20,000 feet. They are thin, gray clouds that often cover the sky and can sometimes produce light precipitation.
What are the puffy clouds that occur at middle and lower elevations?
The puffy clouds that occur at middle and lower elevations are typically cumulus clouds. These clouds are characterized by their fluffy, white appearance and often indicate fair weather, although they can develop into larger storm clouds under certain conditions. Cumulus clouds form due to convection, where warm air rises and cools, causing moisture to condense into visible cloud droplets. When these clouds grow taller, they can transition into cumulonimbus clouds, which are associated with thunderstorms.
What type of clouds are wispy and occur very high altitude?
cirrus
Why are there usually large spaces of blue skies between cumulus clouds?
Large spaces of blue skies between cumulus clouds occur due to the nature of their formation. Cumulus clouds are formed by rising warm air that cools and condenses into water droplets, but this process is localized. Consequently, while some areas experience the buildup of these clouds, other regions remain clear as the surrounding air does not rise and condense, leading to the characteristic gaps of blue sky.
Does lightning go from earth to clouds or from clouds to earth?
Lightning typically travels from clouds to the ground, but it can also occur between clouds or within a cloud. This happens when electrical charges build up in the clouds and discharge towards the ground, creating a lightning strike.
What causes lightning to occur without the presence of clouds?
Lightning can occur without clouds when there is a discharge of electricity between the ground and the atmosphere, often due to the buildup of static electricity in the air. This phenomenon is known as "ground-to-cloud" lightning.
Is there lightning above clouds?
Yes, lightning can occur above clouds. A type of lightning called "cloud-to-cloud" or "anvil crawler" lightning can be seen branching out above storm clouds. This is typically caused by the electrical discharge between different regions within the cloud or between different clouds.
Can lightning come from the ground, or does it only originate from the sky?
Lightning can come from the ground as well as from the sky. It can occur when a discharge of electricity happens between a cloud and the ground, or between two clouds.
How do lightning strikes occur, starting from the ground up?
Lightning strikes occur when electrical charges build up in clouds and on the ground. When the difference in charges becomes strong enough, a channel of ionized air forms, creating a path for the electrical discharge to travel. The lightning bolt then strikes from the cloud to the ground or between clouds, releasing a powerful burst of energy in the form of light and heat.
Why might a fish kill occur at the effluent discharge of a power plant?
This is due to polluted residual waters.
What is the release of built up negative charges called?
The release of built-up negative charges is called discharge. This can occur through processes like lightning, where the negative charges in clouds are released to the ground or to other clouds.
What cloud is thick puffy clouds that occur at middle altitudes?
Cumulus clouds are thick puffy clouds that occur at middle altitudes, typically between about 2,000 to 20,000 feet. They are often associated with fair weather, but can develop into larger storm clouds known as cumulonimbus clouds.
What is the discharge of electrons?
The discharge of electrons refers to the movement of electrons from one place to another. This can occur in various ways, such as in electrical circuits where electrons flow from a negative terminal to a positive terminal, or in phenomena like lightning where electrons are released from clouds to the ground.
How is friction involved with lightning?
Friction is not directly involved in the formation of lightning. Lightning is caused by the buildup and discharge of electrical energy in the atmosphere, typically between charged regions in clouds or between a cloud and the ground. Friction can sometimes contribute to the separation of charges in the atmosphere, leading to the conditions necessary for lightning to occur.
Does lightning always make contact with the ground?
No, lightning does not always make contact with the ground. It can also occur within clouds or between clouds without touching the ground.
Why do lighting strikes occur within a cloud rather than between clouds?
it does not have enough energy to reach the ground
