{"id":29458,"date":"2024-02-23T11:32:41","date_gmt":"2024-02-23T11:32:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/?p=29458"},"modified":"2024-02-23T11:32:43","modified_gmt":"2024-02-23T11:32:43","slug":"indicating-the-causes-of-lightning-describe-the-threats-associated-with-it-upsc-geography-optional-mains-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/indicating-the-causes-of-lightning-describe-the-threats-associated-with-it-upsc-geography-optional-mains-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"Indicating the causes of lightning, describe the threats associated with it &#8211; UPSC Geography Optional Mains &#8211; 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-prelims-support-program-with-test-series?type=classroom\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/GS-Foundation-Course-for-UPSC-1280-x-300-px-1-1024x300.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-46623\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Lightning is a natural phenomenon that has fascinated and awed humanity for millennia. However, beyond its captivating beauty, lightning poses significant threats and dangers. Understanding the causes of lightning is essential in comprehending the risks it presents. Lightning occurs when there is an electrical discharge between positively and negatively charged regions within a thundercloud or between the cloud and the ground. Factors such as atmospheric instability, moisture content, and temperature differentials contribute to the formation of these electrical charges. While lightning itself can be mesmerizing, its associated threats are severe and diverse, ranging from wildfires and property damage to injury and loss of life. Thus, a deeper exploration of the causes of lightning is crucial in mitigating the risks and ensuring safety in the face of this powerful natural phenomenon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69ff4e72e76a2\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69ff4e72e76a2\"  \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/indicating-the-causes-of-lightning-describe-the-threats-associated-with-it-upsc-geography-optional-mains-2021\/#Answer\" title=\"Answer\">Answer<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/indicating-the-causes-of-lightning-describe-the-threats-associated-with-it-upsc-geography-optional-mains-2021\/#Introduction\" title=\"Introduction:\">Introduction:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/indicating-the-causes-of-lightning-describe-the-threats-associated-with-it-upsc-geography-optional-mains-2021\/#Body\" title=\"Body:\">Body:<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/indicating-the-causes-of-lightning-describe-the-threats-associated-with-it-upsc-geography-optional-mains-2021\/#Causes_of_Lightning\" title=\"Causes of Lightning:\">Causes of Lightning:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/indicating-the-causes-of-lightning-describe-the-threats-associated-with-it-upsc-geography-optional-mains-2021\/#Threats_Associated_with_Lightning\" title=\"Threats Associated with Lightning:\">Threats Associated with Lightning:<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/indicating-the-causes-of-lightning-describe-the-threats-associated-with-it-upsc-geography-optional-mains-2021\/#Electrocution_and_Fatalities\" title=\"Electrocution and Fatalities:\">Electrocution and Fatalities:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/indicating-the-causes-of-lightning-describe-the-threats-associated-with-it-upsc-geography-optional-mains-2021\/#Lack_of_Government_Compensation\" title=\"Lack of Government Compensation:\">Lack of Government Compensation:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/indicating-the-causes-of-lightning-describe-the-threats-associated-with-it-upsc-geography-optional-mains-2021\/#Vulnerability_of_Farmers\" title=\"Vulnerability of Farmers:\">Vulnerability of Farmers:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/indicating-the-causes-of-lightning-describe-the-threats-associated-with-it-upsc-geography-optional-mains-2021\/#Location-Specific_Risks\" title=\"Location-Specific Risks:\">Location-Specific Risks:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/indicating-the-causes-of-lightning-describe-the-threats-associated-with-it-upsc-geography-optional-mains-2021\/#Global_Lightning_Hotspots\" title=\"Global Lightning Hotspots:\">Global Lightning Hotspots:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/indicating-the-causes-of-lightning-describe-the-threats-associated-with-it-upsc-geography-optional-mains-2021\/#Way_forward\" title=\"Way forward\">Way forward<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/indicating-the-causes-of-lightning-describe-the-threats-associated-with-it-upsc-geography-optional-mains-2021\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion :\">Conclusion :<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/indicating-the-causes-of-lightning-describe-the-threats-associated-with-it-upsc-geography-optional-mains-2021\/#In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\" title=\"In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;\">In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/indicating-the-causes-of-lightning-describe-the-threats-associated-with-it-upsc-geography-optional-mains-2021\/#Visit_our_YouTube_Channel_%E2%80%93_here\" title=\"Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;here\">Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;here<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Answer\"><\/span><strong>Answer<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introduction\"><\/span><strong>Introduction:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Lightning is an electrical discharge resulting from an imbalance between storm clouds and the Earth, marked by a flow of high electric voltage and current. Understanding its causes and associated threats is crucial for mitigating its impact on human lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Body\"><\/span><strong>Body:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Causes_of_Lightning\"><\/span><strong>Causes of Lightning:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Temperature-Induced Condensation: Rising temperatures cause water vapor to condense in clouds, forming minute ice crystals.<\/li><li>Ice Crystal Accumulation: These ice crystals expand and gain weight, eventually tumbling to the ground.<\/li><li>Electron Release after Collision: Collisions among ice crystals release electrons, triggering a chain reaction akin to electric sparks.<\/li><li>Positive and Negative Charge Formation: The upper cloud layer becomes positively charged, while the middle layer turns negatively charged.<\/li><li>High Electric Potential: One to ten billion volts separate the electric potentials of these layers.<\/li><li>Massive Current Flow: A rapid flow of current, ranging from 100,000 to one million amperes, occurs between the charged cloud layers.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/lh7-us.googleusercontent.com\/wAmJKh_7lAMAaUtxEL4CzbkMOekIiavZhtNyGDFMzipyhNDk3h5NGyzIR-icf1mcXc3Y5VWkQXerMWjA0lr97NA2bnwjMrxfGfkj8jizuSXN8SKHYckqfvsHDLqMOJ9KHG6bnmNUKnBeHTaqaV9DWfk\" alt=\"Lightning\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><figcaption>Lightning<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Threats_Associated_with_Lightning\"><\/span><strong>Threats Associated with Lightning:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Electrocution_and_Fatalities\"><\/span><strong>Electrocution and Fatalities:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Lightning can lead to electrocution and fatalities, with over 2,000 annual deaths reported since 2005.<\/li><li>Rural areas, where over 96% of lightning-related fatalities occur, face a higher risk.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lack_of_Government_Compensation\"><\/span><strong>Lack of Government Compensation:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Unlike natural calamities like floods or earthquakes, lightning is not considered for government compensation.<\/li><li>Affected individuals, particularly in rural areas, lack financial support despite the deadly consequences.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Vulnerability_of_Farmers\"><\/span><strong>Vulnerability of Farmers:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Farmers are particularly vulnerable during the pre-monsoon to the first monsoon, as they often work in open agricultural fields.<\/li><li>Deaths are more prevalent in these outdoor settings.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Location-Specific_Risks\"><\/span><strong>Location-Specific Risks:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>People huddled beneath trees contribute to 71% of lightning-related fatalities.<\/li><li>In Bihar, where large agricultural fields lack trees, lateral strikes cause more fatalities than direct hits.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Global_Lightning_Hotspots\"><\/span><strong>Global Lightning Hotspots:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Tropical regions, including Asia, South America, North America, Australia, and Africa, experience over 100 million lightning strikes annually.<\/li><li>Lightning strikes are expected to increase by 25\u201350% due to climate change.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Way_forward\"><\/span><strong>Way forward<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Understanding the causes and threats associated with lightning is crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies. Government initiatives, such as the Lightning Resilient India program, the Common Alert Protocol (CAP) system, and advanced technologies, play a vital role in minimizing lightning-related fatalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><strong>Conclusion :<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To address this issue, ongoing research, public awareness, and international collaboration are necessary for building resilience against the increasing risks posed by lightning in a changing climate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-essay?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Banner&amp;utm_campaign=Essay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/UPSC-Essay-Course-1280\u00d7300-1-3.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-42688 lazyload\" width=\"781\" height=\"182\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 781px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 781\/182;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\"><\/span><strong>In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For UPSC Prelims Resources,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc-cse-prelims-resource-centre\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Click here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Daily Updates and Study Material:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Join our Telegram Channel &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/t.me\/WithEdukemy4IAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Edukemy for IAS<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>1. 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Mains Answer Writing Practice &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3mZuVxl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Visit_our_YouTube_Channel_%E2%80%93_here\"><\/span>Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@ShabbirsEduKemyforIAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lightning is a natural phenomenon that has fascinated and awed humanity for millennia. However, beyond its captivating beauty<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":29461,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[216],"tags":[143,2196,142,232,140],"class_list":["post-29458","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-geography-optional-mains-paper-year-wise","tag-geography_optional","tag-lightning","tag-previous_year_questions","tag-upsc","tag-upsc_preparation_strategy"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29458","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29458"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29458\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29462,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29458\/revisions\/29462"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/29461"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29458"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=29458"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29458"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}