Lightning Scars: What Happens When You're Struck?
Have you ever pondered the profound and unpredictable nature of lightning strikes? The reality is that each encounter with this raw electrical force is a unique event, etching its own story onto the canvas of the human body and the world around us.
The impact of a lightning strike transcends a simple moment of contact; it initiates a cascade of events, both immediate and enduring. The severity of these effects can range dramatically, from minor skin burns to life-altering organ damage, memory loss, bone fractures, or even the ultimate consequence death. While the majority of individuals survive a lightning strike, the path to recovery is often paved with lasting physical and psychological scars.
Consider the case from the 2022 report of a 45-year-old woman who was struck by lightning. Five days later, during an autopsy, workers discovered lichtenberg scars, also known as keraunographic markings, intricate, fractal-like patterns on her skin, revealing the passage of the electrical current. This particular instance was labeled as "atypical," underscoring the variability in how lightning affects different people. This variability highlights a crucial point: each lightning strike is a unique event, resulting in a distinct set of consequences.
These dramatic markings, sometimes called "lightning flowers" or "lightning trees," typically appear on the arms, back, neck, chest, or shoulders. The appearance of these markings can range in appearance, they are also called "lichtenberg figures" which are branching electric discharges that sometimes appear on the surface or the interior of insulating materials after being struck by lightning. They are named after the German physicist who discovered and studied them and are examples of fractals.
Lightning strikes, as dangerous as they are, are not always fatal; according to CDC data, only about 10% of strike victims die. The remaining 90% face a journey of healing, often marked by both physical and mental scars. One thing is certain: lightning leaves a lasting impression, both seen and unseen.
On June 4, 2009, at 5:28 pm, the world witnessed another instance of the unpredictable nature of lightning. It's a stark reminder of the raw power of nature. This case serves as a reminder of the inherent dangers of the natural world and the enduring impact of such events.
The journey doesnt always end with a life lost. In the United Kingdom, for instance, up to 60 people are struck by lightning annually. Surviving a lightning strike, however, is often the beginning of a new chapter. The physical and mental scars of these survivors are a testament to the tenacity of the human spirit. For example, a person may face challenges such as: scar tissue on the lungs, leaving them easily short of breath. Another individual may experience severe burns, like one case of someone with burns covering 60% of their body.
It is essential to understand what actually happens when someone is struck by lightning. The immediate damage can be catastrophic, and is a truly frightening event. In addition to burns and potential fractures, there can be an array of lasting effects on the skin as well, like scars from more severe burns and wounds that can remain swollen and red for months. The patterns created are known to be examples of fractals. The arms, back, neck, chest, or shoulders of lightning strike victims are the most common sites for these spectacular keraunographic scars, which are also known as lightning flowers.
In the aftermath of a lightning strike, the electric current coursing through the body can cause blood vessels to burst, creating the distinctive pattern of scars known as a lichtenberg figure. These intricate patterns often trace the path of the electricity, branching out like the limbs of a tree.
Beyond the human impact, lightnings effects on the natural world are also significant. It can create deep scars and gouges in the trunks of trees, often surrounded by burnt or discolored wood. These scars can vary in size and shape. In some cases, leaves or needles may appear wilted, discolored, or even scorched after a lightning strike, due to the disruption of the tree's water pathways.
One of the most incredible natural phenomena is the lichtenberg figure, a type of mark left behind after being struck by lightning. Photos of lightning scars are very unique and almost look as if the bolts from the sky were trying to leave a calling card of sorts for people and animals unlucky enough to be hit. The photos of people who were hit, are truly stunning.
When considering lightnings impact on trees, it's useful to understand the methods for addressing such damage. For instance, if a tree has been struck, one approach is to spray the lightning scar and the surrounding area with a specialized treatment. Ideally, the entire scar would be sprayed, but this may not always be practical, especially for taller trees where drift is a concern. Instead, one should try to spray as much as possible, ensuring that the area around the scar is also treated.
Here's a table summarizing the key aspects of lightning strikes and their effects:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | A sudden, visible electrical discharge between a cloud and the ground, within a cloud, or between clouds. |
| Causes | Buildup of electrical charges within a thunderstorm cloud, typically due to the interaction of ice crystals and water droplets. |
| Mechanism | A stepped leader of negative charge descends from the cloud, followed by a return stroke of positive charge traveling upwards from the ground. |
| Effects on Humans | Cardiac arrest, neurological damage, burns, fractures, memory loss, and death. Lichtenberg figures (skin markings) are common. |
| Effects on Environment | Can ignite fires, damage trees (leaving scars), and contribute to the production of ozone. |
| Types | Cloud-to-ground, cloud-to-cloud, intra-cloud, and cloud-to-air. |
| Safety Measures | Seek shelter indoors or in a hard-topped vehicle. Avoid contact with water and electrical appliances during a storm. Know the "30-30 rule." |
| Frequency | Millions of lightning strikes occur worldwide each day. |
| Interesting Facts | Lightning can reach temperatures hotter than the surface of the sun. It travels at speeds of up to 270,000 miles per hour. |
| First Aid | Call for medical help immediately. Provide CPR if the person is not breathing. |
Further information can be found at: CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
