Re: [Phys-L] When lightning strikes the ocean...

[bernard cleyet <bernard@cleyet.org>]

So … contrary to intuition (at least bc’s) a lighting strike would be a bulk process instead of a surface one, at least in fresh water.  (skin effect works best w/ high conductivity stuff, no?)  

bc appreciates being turned on to XKCD’s what ifs, and waiting for JD’s wisdom.  

OTOH, the fishing is DC?, while lighting is oscillatory, or at least, fast rise time.

> On 2018/Feb/08, at 19:51, Paul Nord <paul.nord@valpo.edu> wrote:
>
> https://what-if.xkcd.com/156/
>
> On Thu, Feb 8, 2018 at 6:06 PM, Derek McKenzie <derek@physicsfootnotes.com>
> wrote:
>
> > Hi all,
> >
> > I am trying to understand (i.e. reconcile with established
> > electromagnetic theory) what happens when lightning strikes the surface
> > of a large body of water, such as an ocean. It appears that empirically
> > the field/current dissipate mostly radially along the surface of the
> > water, while only a small amount of energy makes its way vertically
> > below the surface.
> >
> > I have searched high and low for an authoritative model, but to no
> > avail. Some invoke the Faraday Cage principle, whilst others invoke the
> > Skin Effect, but nothing terribly compelling.
> >
> > Any thoughts would be much appreciated.
> >
> > Cheers,
> >
> > Derek McKenzie
> > PhysicsFootnotes.com
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