Scientists have captured the first high-speed video of trees emitting electricity from sparks during a thunderstorm. Results of a study published in Geophysical Research Letters Research shows that tree branches can emit faint blue light, known as corona discharges, thanks to sensors and cameras deployed in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Corona occurs when a storm’s strong electric field ionizes the air near the sharp edges of leaves on trees. Sailors have been observing the same glow on the masts of ships for hundreds of years. The observation is important to atmospheric scientists because the findings suggest that forested areas may have a much greater impact on Earth’s electricity balance and greenhouse gas composition than previously thought.
How do trees glow without catching fire?
The blue light in the treetops is the result of a phenomenon called corona discharge, which is different from lightning events or wildfires. The electric field of a thunderstorm is so large that it can snatch electrons away from air molecules. This causes electricity to be emitted into the air in the form of plasma. Unlike lightning, which is an extremely hot and massive discharge, corona discharge is “cold” electricity. according to science newsbecause this form of electricity is less intense and less distributed, it accumulates in the sharpest locations on the tree, such as pine needles and leaf tips, causing the tree to emit a faint light. However, this power does not cause actual burning or any other type of damage to the trees.
Why glowing trees are important for climate
In addition to their beautiful appearance of shimmering blue light, corona discharges around the ends of trees have a huge impact on air quality.According to research pennsylvania state universitythe discharge generated by the corona discharge at the end of the tree will also produce a large amount of free hydroxyl groups. Hydroxyl is the primary cleanser of our atmosphere. Hydroxy radicals are also very reactive and can be used to degrade many pollutants and greenhouse gases, such as methane, which otherwise contribute to global warming.
Why some trees glow brighter than others
Different species react differently after a thunderstorm. According to a recent study by scientists published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters. This study has confirmed that the relative size of a tree’s canopy produces more or less “ghost” light as it ages. Evergreen trees are most actively involved in producing this electrical phenomenon. The needle-like leaf-shaped tips of conifers form extremely efficient natural “conductors,” allowing upwardly generated electric fields to be highly concentrated at the tips of their spiky vines and making it easier (and many times more likely) to produce upwardly generated electric flashes of blue light.
