Lightning. Bad stuff. I had a classmate of mine die from lightning striking him a few years ago. So, I have a question today, but it feels more like a thought:
When lightning strikes the ocean, why doesn't the fish die?
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Funny, I've thought of that before! God is amazing! He created Mother nature.
ReplyDeleteThey're not grounded?
ReplyDeletehttp://wiki.answers.com/Q/If_lightning_strikes_the_ocean_while_you_are_in_it_how_close_does_the_strike_have_to_be_for_you_to_feel_it
ReplyDeleteThe electricity is spread out over a much much larger area, therefore decreasing the amount of current in any one spot.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.weatherquesting.com/lightning-hits-fish.htm
go there, that's what I found.
"Funny, I've thought of that before! God is amazing! He created Mother nature."
ReplyDeletehe's so amazing, he saves fish!
Joe:
ReplyDeleteShocking, isn't it?
Actually, the fish are "grounded", but so is everything else in the sea, and the water attenuates the charge over a huge grid -- that increases exponentially from the point of impact. If very near that point, some trauma occurs due to the level of energy.
Writing from the grave, I am, sincerely,
Nicolai Tesla
Right, Joe. The same reason men can work on still-active high voltage electric lines high up in the air...if they aren't grounded, the electricity passes through them (and the fish) harmlessly.
ReplyDeleteHere's a great look at the process at work.
When I was in China at the American Legation in 1946, a radio jeep pulled into the parade area in back of the barracks and the driver did not realize his long, long antenna was sitting on a high tension line. Well, he was fine while in the jeep, but as soon as he stepped out he was killed by a bolt of electricity. (not to mention that the radio was zapped too) This will show how the fish get away unscathed too, I guess.
ReplyDeletestrom thurmond...
ReplyDeleteThat was a GREAT video! Thank you for sharing!!!
I also lost a friend to lightning back in high school. Do not believe the old myth that wearing rubber-soled shoes will protect you. He was wearing them and died!
ReplyDeleteFish that are close to the strike will die or be stunded for a short period. They use electrical shocks to test fish populations.
ReplyDeleteActually the fish are very much grounded by the water, which is an excellent conductor. In fact, the water is such a good conductor a strike to the surface quickly dissapates over the surface rather than penetrates into it. If a fish is swimming some distance below the surface the energy is dissapated before it reaches down into the water. If a fish, or person, was swimming on the surface there is a good chance a zap would be felt close to a strike.
ReplyDelete