The birstlecone pine is made of wood just like any other tree. Wood is flammable and can burn. All trees contain water. A lighting strike can sometimes flash boil the water inside a tree , causing it to explode.
If lightning strikes a tree, the electricity typically travels through the tree's moist tissues and can cause the tree to explode or ignite. The intense heat from the lightning strike can also start a fire in the tree or its surroundings. Additionally, the tree may suffer damage to its internal structure, leading to potential long-term negative effects on its health and stability.
The bristlecone pine tree lives up to 5,000 years!
It was Franklin's study of the damages to trees and other tall objects that led to his invention of the lightning rod, to prevent building damage or fire from lightning strikes.
bristlecone pine
If lightning strikes a tree, it can cause significant damage such as splitting the tree trunk, scorching the bark, and even causing the tree to catch fire. The intense heat can also cause the tree to explode due to the rapid expansion of moisture inside the tree. In some cases, the tree can survive with long-term damage, while in other cases the tree may die.
Bristlecone pine trees are primarily affected by various herbivores, including insects like bark beetles and pine weevils, which can damage their bark and wood. Additionally, deer and other mammals may feed on the tree's young shoots and foliage. Although bristlecone pines are hardy and adapted to harsh environments, they can still be vulnerable to pests and environmental stressors.
a famous painting of a tree that has been struck by lightning
The fire in "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry" was caused by lightning striking a tree during a storm. The lightning ignited the tree, spreading the fire to the surrounding land.
bristlecone pine
The phylum for the bristlecone pine is Pinophyta, which is the phylum for conifers. Bristlecone pines are a type of coniferous tree known for their longevity and adaptation to harsh environmental conditions.
It may strike the lightning rod. A properly installed lightning rod will prevent a lightning strike from setting your house on fire, at least for the most part. The energy of the bolt is carried by the rod and the ground wire. This system "contains" the electric current by offering it a low resistance path to ground. If lightning strikes a tree, a power pole, or a house, it travels through the tree, pole or house. This high current can super heat that wood or other materials and cause them to explode or burst into flames. Damage will result, and very possibly a fire. The lightning rod minimizes the chances of extensive damage and fire in the event of a strike on a house.
The Bristlecone Pine is the longest recorded.