A Review on Lightning and its effects on Trees

Abstract

Lightning in mother's nature show, which cannot be controlled. Lightning contacts the earth about more than 8 million times a day. Due to so many strikes, the probability of damage to the plants and trees is very high. The total available energy for an average lightning stroke is of the order of 108 Joule. Of the total available energy about 85-90% is dissipated in resistive part of the air column, which appears as heat energy to raise the temperature of column so high, that shock waves are produced due to expansion of the column and strong thunder is produced utilizing almost whole of this heat energy. These heat and shock waves generated during lightning process can damage or even kill the trees instantaneously. Lightning may cause wilting, yellowing, premature fruit drop and other severe injuries to trees. Also, the probability of a tree being struck by lightning depends on the tree size and morphology. This paper seeks to present a review on lightning phenomena, its effects on trees and also provides a brief information how difference among trees can influence lightning effect.