Lightning Scars: The Tree-Like Patterns After A Strike
Have you ever seen a mark on someone's skin that resembles a delicate fern or the intricate branches of a tree? These striking patterns, often appearing after a lightning strike, are a testament to the raw power of nature and the resilience of the human body.
These remarkable markings, known as keraunographic marks, or more poetically, lightning flowers or lightning trees, are a fascinating consequence of a lightning strike. They are most frequently observed on the arms, back, neck, chest, or shoulders of those who have been directly impacted by lightning. The appearance of these patterns is a visual reminder of the immense energy that has coursed through the victim's body, leaving a permanent mark of the encounter. While the odds of being struck by lightning in your lifetime are relatively low, approximately 1 in 12,000, the potential consequences are significant. Lightning strikes can cause severe injuries, including scarring, trauma, and in some cases, even death.
One notable example of this phenomenon comes from the tech blog Gear Diary, which reported on Winston Kemp, who acquired this unique "body art" during a spring storm. He ventured outside to save his pumpkins, unwittingly placing himself in harm's way. This serves as a reminder that even seemingly mundane activities can become perilous during severe weather.
| Victim Profile | Details |
|---|---|
| Name: | Winston Kemp (Hypothetical Example) |
| Incident: | Lightning Strike |
| Location of Incident: | Unspecified (Spring Storm) |
| Event: | Attempting to save pumpkins during a storm |
| Resulting Injury: | Keraunographic Marks (Lightning Flowers/Trees) |
| Reference: | Gear Diary (Example Tech Blog) |
Lichtenberg figures, also referred to as ferning patterns or keraunographic markings, are a distinct skin sign, considered pathognomonic for lightning strikes, meaning their presence strongly suggests a diagnosis of lightning injury. The scars are highly variable. The lightning scars on the body may be caused by blood vessels bursting as the current travels through the body, heats up, and subsequently destroys the affected blood vessels. This distinguishing pattern can also be observed on the surfaces or within insulating materials after an electrical current discharges through or on them. Furthermore, these scars are sometimes referred to as lichtenberg scars.
The formation of these marks is a consequence of the immense electrical energy involved. As a lightning bolt strikes a person, the current surges through their body. This rapid influx of energy generates intense heat, which can lead to the rupture of blood vessels. The resulting damage manifests as these unique, branching patterns on the skin's surface.
The power of lightning is truly astonishing. A single strike can unleash hundreds of millions of volts and tens of thousands of amps of electricity. This enormous energy can have devastating effects on the human body. The impact can range from mild burns to severe internal injuries, cardiac arrest, and even death. It is an electrical discharge that occurs because of an imbalance between clouds and the ground. Objects on the ground, such as trees, become positively charged, while rain or ice particles in the clouds cause the positive charge to stay above the cloud, while the negative charge stays below. The severity of the outcome depends on factors such as the voltage of the strike, the pathway the current takes through the body, and the individual's overall health.
The injuries sustained from a lightning strike are varied. They can involve direct strikes, side splashes, contact injuries, and ground current. Recognizing the signs of lightning burns, keraunoparalysis, and other effects of lightning, is vital, as is knowing how to avoid being hit. A lightning strike can unleash a host of problems in your body. Seek the expertise of medical professionals like David Claypool, M.D., an emergency medicine physician at the Mayo Clinic, who can elaborate on the physiological impact.
Beyond the physical trauma, lightning strikes can also have profound psychological effects. Survivors may experience nerve damage, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), memory loss, and other neurological symptoms. The experience can be deeply traumatizing, leaving lasting emotional scars. It's essential to seek professional help and support to cope with the psychological impact of a lightning strike. There are numerous resources available to assist individuals in their recovery journey.
In a record low year, 2013 saw 23 lightning strike deaths, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The majority of these fatalities, 13 out of the 23, occurred during outdoor activities. This data underscores the importance of taking precautions during thunderstorms, especially when outdoors. These precautions should include seeking shelter indoors, away from windows and open spaces, and avoiding contact with electrical devices.
Two young adults were examined in a northern Ontario hospital after sustaining indirect lightning injuries while camping. The patients were laying on their left sides in a tent during a storm and encountered a transfer of electricity from a lightning strike to a nearby tree. This incident underscores the potential for indirect lightning injuries, highlighting the importance of remaining vigilant during thunderstorms.
The formation of Lichtenberg figures, the branching electric discharges, can also be seen in insulating materials after being struck by lightning. These patterns, with their fractal properties, can provide clues about the path the electrical current took. The following demonstration video is a replication of Lichtenberg's experiments using a mixture of powdered lead tetroxide and sulfur to highlight positive (yellow) and negative (red) Lichtenberg figures.
While the effects of lightning can be devastating, it is also important to recognize that lightning strikes are not always fatal. Many individuals survive lightning strikes, though they may be left with lasting physical and psychological scars. Every injury is unique, requiring specific attention and treatment.
The study of these striking marks and the impact of lightning has provided invaluable insights into the ways electricity interacts with the human body. It has also emphasized the need for greater awareness of lightning safety and the importance of seeking shelter during thunderstorms. Avoiding risky behavior during thunderstorms helps prevent lightning injuries.
It's important to recognize that the skin and the human body are not the only ones impacted by lightning. Narrower and shallower scars can be more survivable for trees. The power of nature can also impact buildings and structures, highlighting the importance of grounding systems.
Many sources are cited for more information. Keith Douce at the University of Georgia is one reliable source.
In conclusion, the next time you see a branching pattern on skin or other materials, consider the immense power of lightning that may have caused it, a striking reminder of nature's force.
