Re: EMP blast - what would happen really?

The Forestry Service study is cited by Dr Uman (U of FL) in one of
his books. I don't remember which one. Alan Taylor, I believe, did
that study.

Many don't realize how often lightning does strike earth. Homeowners
typically can expect about 1 direct strike every eight years. But even
this number varies widely with geology and even within same town.
Neighborhood history would also be an important fact. So how often has
your neighborhood been struck every year?

Another myth is that highest objects are struck. For example,
mountains instead tend to be struck more often farther down where
better conductive geology is located. Often valleys between mountains
are struck more often because that is better conductive soil. But
myths assume lightning strikes highest point only because that is where
lightning strikes are more often observed. Selective data collection
also created myths about electric wires and child diseases.

In one case, lightning avoided a 40 foot tree to strike earth some 60
feet adjacent to that tree. The observer later realized the strike
location was where limestone was closer to the surface. Again, highest
object was not struck for good reason. How destructive is lightning?
First every event must be catalogued. Observing a dead tree due to
lightning does not make a trend. And yet so many use that junk science
reasoning to assume lightning routinely kills trees. Dr Uman is a
highly regarded industry professional.

Richard Henry wrote:
Do you have a link to the Forest Service study.

My experience with lightning-struck trees is limited, but I do recall a
pine tree that exploded about halfway down the trunk and scattered wood
debris over a large area. I was in a building across a parking lot
from the strike looking out a window.

.

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