Other phosphates, such as fertilizer, given the rarity of it occurring naturally. Many could have been important in the development of life on Earth.Īccording to Pasek, it’s unlikely this material could be mined for uses similar to Phosphite reservoir issue in Earth that these solid phosphite materials are hard toįeng says this research may reveal other forms of reduced minerals are plausible and “Previous researchers indicate that lightning reduction of phosphate to have beenĪ widespread phenomenon on the early Earth,” Feng said. Will turn into the mineral found in meteorites. The material likely forms quickly under precise conditions, and if heated too long, The experiment was unsuccessful and indicates Inside the fulgurite, a colorful, crystal-like matter revealed a material never beforeĬo-principal investigator Tian Feng, a graduate of USF’s geology program, attempted to remake the material in a lab. The two elements led to a chemical reaction that created a fulgurite that looked On the tree roots, but it combusted the naturally occurring carbon in the tree as Most originate in a cumulonimbus cloud and terminate on the ground, called cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning. In this case, not only did the lightning strike combust the iron A lightning strike is a lightning event in which the electric discharge takes place between the atmosphere and the ground. In wet environments, such as in Florida, Pasek says iron will often accumulate andĮncrust tree roots. – if lightning is strong enough to melt rock, it can certainly melt people too.” “Florida is the lightning capital of the world and lightning safety is important Much damage a lightning strike can cause on average and how dangerous it is,” Pasek “It’s important to understand how much energy lightning has because then we know how Together, the team set out to investigate unusual minerals that bear the element phosphorus,Įspecially those formed by lightning, to better understand high-energy phenomena. Pasek purchased it, and laterīegan a collaboration with Luca Bindi, a professor of mineralogy and crystallography When the New Port Richey homeowners discovered the ‘lightning scar’, they found aįulgurite and decided to sell it, assuming it had value. Sample of the New Port Richey fulgurite | Photo by: Matthew Pasek | Grass dies, forming a scar and sending electric discharge through nearby rock, soilĪnd sand, forming fulgurites, also known as ‘fossilized lightning’,” Pasek said. “When lightning strikes a tree, the ground typically explodes out and the surrounding Reactions, and in this instance, result in a new material – one that is transitionalīetween space minerals and minerals found on Earth. In a recent study published in Communications Earth & Environment, Pasek examines how high-energy events, such as lightning, can cause unique chemical “We have never seen this material occur naturally on Earth – minerals similar to itĬan be found in meteorites and space, but we've never seen this exact material anywhere,” It was found in a rock – the first time in solid form on Earth – and could represent More than 2,900 people were killed by lightning in India in 2019, according to the most recent official figures available.By: Cassidy Delamarter, University Communications and MarketingĪfter lightning struck a tree in a New Port Richey neighborhood, a University of Southįlorida professor discovered the strike led to the formation of a new phosphorus material. Lightning strikes are common during India’s monsoon season, which runs from June to September. The India Meteorological Department has warned of more lightning in the next two days. Most of those killed were farm labourers working in fields.īoth state governments announced financial compensation for the families of the victims and those who were injured. In Uttar Pradesh, 18 people were killed by lightning on Sunday, said Manoj Dixit, a government official. Srivastava said at least nine more people were killed and nearly 20 others were injured in separate lightning strikes when the state was lashed with thunderstorms and monsoon rains. Senior police officer Anand Srivastava said some of the victims were taking selfies near the watchtower when lightning struck late on Sunday. Lightning has killed at least 38 people across two Indian states over the past 24 hours, officials said on Monday.Ī majority of the deaths occurred in the western state of Rajasthan, where 11 people died after being struck by lightning near a watchtower at the 12th century Amber Fort, police said.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |