Topic: Lightning strikes over water/ocean

[Mike]

Here's something to ponder and perhaps get some answers.  In other lightning topics we've mentioned re small spikes eminating from objects on the ground - as in blades of grass, fence posts, poles etcetera - and that photos show the link between the 'connection' from cloud to ground or visa versa.

Now, considering CG strikes over water - is there the same type of evidence/photos to show the same event occurring over a body of water???  Is it a case of that the ocean itself is a major conductor and pathway and is just a natural 'magnet'.

What affect does a strike have on water?  If you are in a metal dingy fishing and a strike hits close to you why aren't you electrocuted as in the case of standing in a puddle of water and getting struck - you certainly would be electrocuted, so why is there a difference? Does the body of water being so large dissipate the electrical discharge over a wide area thus negating the electrocution?

(Glad i asked this in fact!!!)

Mike   

[Jeff Brislane]

John,

I would have thought that the ocean as a whole is itself a ground and not nessecarily the sea floor beneath it. I would think that the bolt would fry anything close by but would dissapate quickly due to the vast size of the body of water. And isn't salt water a good conductor and a better conductor than fresh water?

Jeff.

[Jimmy Deguara]

Also it has been recorded that where iron ore bodies lie in shallower water lighting will often ground itself at that point.

I guess I'll pass on the opportunity of snorkling around shipwrecks then during thunderstorms:)

Regards,

Jimmy Deguara

[Mike]

Hilarious, Jimmy!  Where the bolt it that day the area is about 20metres or deeper.  The channel that the ships come through here is very deep, even at a -0 tide!  I'll dig up some more info re this if i can.  Interesting answers though!

Mike