When lightning strikes ice, electrical fields within the ice crystals polarize and align, generating energy that discharges as the lightning flashes, potentially heating the air to incredibly high temperatures.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of the process:
-
Polarization and Alignment: As lightning approaches an ice structure (like hail or a glacier), the intense electrical field causes the water molecules within the ice crystals to become polarized. This means the molecules align themselves with the electrical field. This alignment represents a build-up of potential energy.
-
Energy Discharge: When the electrical potential becomes high enough, the built-up energy discharges in the form of the lightning strike itself. The lightning essentially follows the path of least resistance through the polarized ice.
-
Extreme Heat: The energy released during a lightning strike is immense. The reference indicates that the air surrounding a lightning bolt can be heated to temperatures around 50,000°F (27,760°C). This extreme heat can cause rapid melting, vaporization, and even explosive effects depending on the amount and density of the ice involved.
-
Effects on Different Ice Forms:
- Hail: A direct strike on hail can cause it to shatter and melt rapidly.
- Glaciers/Ice Sheets: While a single strike might not have a significant impact on a massive glacier, repeated strikes can contribute to surface melting and potentially accelerate the overall melting process. The meltwater can then contribute to runoff and sea-level rise.
- Ice on Aircraft: Lightning strikes to aircraft with ice accumulation can cause rapid melting, potentially disrupting airflow and affecting flight stability. Modern aircraft are designed to withstand lightning strikes, but ice can exacerbate the potential damage.
In summary, lightning interacting with ice involves a complex process of polarization, energy discharge, and rapid heating, resulting in various effects depending on the type and amount of ice involved.
