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

[brian whatcott <betwys1@sbcglobal.net>]

In a conductive fluid, current normal to the surface is
opposed by a back EMF which is greater than that
opposing surface current?
In macroscopic terms, the sea floor is likely to have
higher resistivity than brine, so a radial flow is somewhat
 inevitable.

Brian W

On 2/8/2018 6:06 PM, Derek McKenzie 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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