Scientists capture trees glowing with electricity during thunderstorms |
For the first time, scientists have filmed high-speed video of a phenomenon where trees emit an electrical glow by generating sparks during thunderstorms. The results of a study published in Geophysical Research Letters show that the trees’ branches can emit faint blue light known as corona discharge, thanks to sensors and cameras deployed in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The creation of a corona occurs when a storm’s very strong electric field ionises the air near the sharp edges of leaves on a tree. Sailors have been observing this same glow on ship masts for hundreds of years. The observation is important to atmospheric scientists, as the findings indicate that forested areas may have a much greater impact on the Earth’s electrical balance and greenhouse gas composition than previously thought.
How do trees emit an electrical glow without catching fire
The blue light at the tops of trees is a result of a phenomenon called corona discharge, separate from either a lightning event or a wildfire. The electrical field of a thunderstorm is so enormous that it can rip electrons away from the air molecules. This causes electricity to be emitted into the air in a plasma form. Unlike lightning, which is an extremely hot and large discharge, a corona discharge is ‘cool’ electricity. According to Science News, because this form of electricity is less strong and less widespread, it accumulates at the sharpest points on a tree, like pine needles and leaf tips, allowing the trees to emit a faint glow. However, there will be no actual burning or any other type of damage to the tree from this electricity.
Why glowing trees matter for the climate
In addition to their beautiful appearance with their sparkling blue glow, the electrical discharge from corona discharges around the ends of trees has a huge effect on air quality.According to research conducted by Penn State University, the electrical discharge produced by corona discharges on the ends of trees produces large amounts of free hydroxyl as well. Hydroxyl serves as the principal cleaning agent for our atmosphere. Hydroxyl radicals are also very reactive and are used to degrade many pollutants and greenhouse gases, such as methane, which would otherwise contribute to global warming.
Why do some trees glow brighter than others
Following a thunderstorm, various species are known to respond differently. According to recent studies conducted by scientists published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters. This research has confirmed that the relative size of a tree’s canopy is responsible for producing a greater or lesser amount of ‘ghostly’ light as it ages. Evergreen trees participate most actively in producing this electrical phenomenon. The pointed tips of a coniferous tree’s needle-like leaf shape create excellently efficient natural ‘conductors,’ thereby allowing upward produced electrical fields to be highly concentrated at their pointed vine tips and more easily (and many times over) create upward produced electrical flash blue light.
