Activity 5 - Lightning and Thunder

Use the resources listed below to help you complete this activity.

To learn more about this topic, visit the following web sites:

What is Lightning?

"A Lightning Primer" - Global Hydrology and Climate Center - NASA
Reviews characteristics of lightning and looks at the history of lightning research.

"Thunderstorms and Lightning...the underrated killers!" - National Weather Service - NOAA
Site reviews the hazards associated with thunderstorms, including winds, rain, hail, and lightning. Also reviews the development of thunderstorms, where thunderstorms are likely to occur, and how to remain safe during a thunderstorm.

"All About Lightning" - National Weather Service - NOAA
Answers basic FAQ about lightning, including what causes it, what dangers are associated with it, and more.

What is Thunder?

"All About Thunderstorms and Lightning" - National Weather Service - NOAA
Answers basic FAQ about thunder and lightning, including what causes them, what dangers are associated with them, and more.

"Severe Thunderstorm" - Red Cross
Site reviews the hazards associated with thunderstorms, including winds, rain, hail, and lightning. Also reviews the development of thunderstorms, where thunderstorms are likely to occur, and how to remain safe during a thunderstorm.

Lightning Safety Tips

"Thunderstorm and Camping Safety Tips" - National Severe Storm Laboratory - NOAA
Includes tips on protecting yourself from lightning strikes while in the outdoors hiking or camping.

National Lightning Safety Institute

 

To complete the investigation, each student group will need:

• Copies of outline map of the US w/ state borders
• Internet access (or copies of recent lightning strike data):
  To view lightning strike maps, visit the Los Alamos National Laboratory EDOT web site

Inquiring Further

To learn more about lightning, visit the following web sites:

"A Lightning Primer" - Global Hydrology and
Climate Center, NASA
Reviews characteristics of lightning and looks at the history of lightning research.

Send all comments about this website to education@agiweb.org

Last updated: May 11, 2010

This project is supported, in part, by the National Science Foundation and the AGI Foundation. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Foundation.