Characterization of Lightning On average, about 100 lightning discharges occur every second on the Earth. The Tampa area in Florida receives more than 12 lightning strikes per square kilometer per year. This is the highest level of lightning activity in the United States. Most of the lightning energy is spent to produce thunder, hot air, light, and radio waves, so that only a small fraction of the total energy is available at the strike point. However, it is well known that this small fraction of the total lightning energy is sufficient to kill people and animals, start fires, and cause considerable mechanical damage to various structures.
Lightning is also a major source of electrical disturbances.
Lightning current peaks are usually of the order of tens of kiloamperes, but occasionally may exceed 100 kA. The long-lasting current components are typically in the range of tens to hundreds of amperes. The latter are thought to be responsible for making fulgurites. In the case of natural lightning, it is usually unknown when and where the discharge is going to occur. Some of the most interesting fulgurites have been created in triggered-lightning experiments. The Center is located approximately midway between Jacksonville and Gainesville, Florida, and is a unique facility for studying various aspects of atmospheric electricity, lightning, and lightning protection.