Lightning. A lightning bolt striking a telecommunications tower. Lightning occurs when a large electrical charge builds up on a cloud. At first a lead

---

Lightning. A lightning bolt striking a telecommunications tower. Lightning occurs when a large electrical charge builds up on a cloud. At first a leader of electrons descends to the ground. As soon as this makes contact an enormous return stroke surges up the leader's ionised path, producing blinding white light and temperatures as high as 30,000 degrees Celsius. Telecommunications towers are built to ensure that broadcasts can be made over a larger area. Tall, man-made structures are fitted with lightning conductors to carry the electrical discharge to the ground and prevent damage being caused. Photographed in Finland.

---

Size: 2598px × 3969px
Photo credit: © PEKKA PARVIAINEN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: climate, communications, electrical, lightnin, lightning, meteorology, storm, storms, strike, striking, strm, telecommunication, tower, weather