Lightning is not only visually spectacular; it is also dangerous. Lightning is one of the leading causes of weather-related deaths and injuries in the United States each year, not to mention damage to property. Knowing the properties of lightning, and its relationship to thunder, can help guide the precautions you should take to minimize the risk of lightning strikes.

This Reading provides background information on the underlying concepts in the Activities included in the Project Earth Science: Meteorology, Revised 2nd Edition. The Reading goes beyond what is found in the background information in the activities. The Reading can be used as supplementary information for the teacher, or to enhance classroom discussions.