Thunder and Lightning

Name: _________________________________       Date: _____________

Kaboom!!! Thunder and lightning are an awesome display of nature's power. You'll find out the science behind the display in this Planet Diary activity.

1. Explore how lightning forms. Summarize the steps in lightning formation.
2. Scroll to Thunder. What causes thunder?
3. Why do you see lightning before you hear thunder?
4. Go to Look for Lightning. How does the Lightning Detection Network work?
5. Look at this map of lightning strike frequency. Which colors show the highest frequency? The lowest frequency?
6. Which parts of the world get the most lightning?
7. Is lightning more frequent over land or over water?
8. Here's a close-up view of lightning strike frequency. Form a hypothesis explaining your answer to question 7.