Lightning strikes on lakes: Risks and impact on aquatic life
Can a lightning strike in a lake kill fish? This question raises many doubts, especially if you think such an event could have catastrophic effects on aquatic life.
28 August 2024 13:41
Storms and lightning always command respect, but many of us wonder about the consequences when a lightning strike hits a lake. Is it realistic that a lightning strike could kill fish swimming in the water? Should we be afraid of being in the water during a storm? This article examines how a lightning strike in a lake affects the aquatic environment and what precautions are worth taking to avoid storm-related dangers.
A lightning strike in a lake and the life of fish - what should you know?
When lightning strikes a lake, it does not always affect the life of fish in the way we might imagine. A lightning strike in a lake can have several consequences, but whether fish are killed depends on several factors.
Lightning that hits the water generates a vast amount of energy, but this energy does not penetrate deeply into the water. A phenomenon known as the skin effect causes the current to concentrate mainly on the water's surface, similar to what happens with cars or other conductive objects. Therefore, when lightning strikes a lake, the electric current does not penetrate deep, and its impact is concentrated near the surface.
Fish close to the water's surface may be exposed to the strike's effects, but those submerged deeper are much less at risk. Water disperses heat well, and the temperature caused by a lightning strike, though it can reach extreme values, drops quickly, reducing the risk of boiling the water or directly killing the fish.
In summary, while a lightning strike in a lake can disturb fish's lives, their death is not automatic or standard. Many fish can survive, especially if they are deeper in the water.
Is it safe to be in the water during a storm?
Staying safe in the water during a storm is extremely important for protecting health and life. In the case of a lightning strike in a lake, there are several fundamental rules to follow to avoid danger.
During a storm, lightning can strike the water, and the electric current travels mainly along the surface, which means people in the water can be at serious risk. Even if you are not directly at the strike point, the electric current can travel a considerable distance, from 32 to 328 feet from the point of impact. This energy, reaching up to 10 million volts, can be strong enough to cause serious injuries.
The 30/30 rule is a popular way to assess risk during a storm. This rule suggests that if 30 seconds or less pass from when you see a lightning flash to when you hear thunder, the storm is too close to be safe in the water. It is also recommended to wait 30 minutes after the last lightning flash before re-entering the water.
It is worth remembering that sound and light travel at different speeds—sound travels at about 1,125 feet per second, while light travels much faster. Counting the seconds between a lightning flash and thunder can help determine the storm's distance, but avoiding being in the water during a storm is the safest solution.
In summary, the safest option is to avoid being in the water during a storm to minimize the risk of injuries caused by lightning.
