Lightning and its Damage
In any storm, there are bolts that strike the ground. Enjoy the light and the effects - which are more common than you might expect.
Images 1 to 5 of 6
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Great Gulf Trail - Sappy Lightning Strike This tree was struck by a lightning bolt that boiled sap out of the resulting crack in the trunk. See also… 7/28/2002 |
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Sugarloaf - Lightning Split Tree Trunk This tree trunk shows the effects of a lightning strike. If you've ever wondered what happens when lightning bolts strike into a forest in the distance, this trunk shows one of the effects. The heat from the lightning bolt generates expansion of the water in the trunk so quickly that the trunks splits. This particular trunk apparently was able to heal to some extent before the tree eventually died, as is shown by the lip-like formations on either side of the crack. See also… 7/20/2002 |
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Penwood Park / Metacomet - Lightning Tooth Split In A Tree To the east of the trail is this unusually damaged tree trunk. The tree apparently tried to heal the split, but was unable to do so due to the space between the parts. This crack my have been the result of lightning striking the tree. See also… 2/6/2002 |
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Hatchett Hill / Metacomet - Lightning Tears a Bark Strip This shows a tree trunk with a strip of bark torn away from the top to the bottom. This is almost certainly the result of a lightning strike superheating the water between the bark and the core and the resulting steam pressure literally exploding a strip of bark from the trunk. See also… 12/10/2001 |
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Hatchett Hill / Metacomet - Split Elbow Tree This tree's limb is almost entirely split by several large cracks. This may be the result of a lightning strike. Not all lightning causes burns - though lightning is very hot, it is also very fast. The energy can superheat the liquid in the tree and the steam pressure will then burst it open as seen here. This type of damage suggests that the water in the tree was concentrated near its core. This is unusual, except when the limb is rotted or dying. See also… 12/10/2001 |
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