Lightning is the living element in pop culture that evokes horror and fear, but what if I tell you it is nothing but pure science? The natural process of lightning, though it looks frightening, is considered an essential phenomenon for sustaining life on planet Earth. Plants form the base of our ecosystem as the primary producers. They are consumed by herbivores, which in turn support carnivores and human beings. Lightning plays a very important role in the nourishment and sustenance of plants directly and all other living consumers indirectly, with one of the most important processes that provides protein to the plants being initiated by lightning, called Nitrogen Fixation.
Our atmosphere contains 78% nitrogen, which is a very critical element for building protein, DNA, and chlorophyll in plants. The complexity is that though nitrogen is abundant in the atmosphere, plants cannot absorb it in its original organic form because of the presence of a triple bond in a nitrogen molecule. Plants take it in the form of nitrites and nitrates from the soil. The conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into Nitrates is nitrogen fixation, and this requires lightning to break the bond as strong as a triple bond of N2.
The enormous energy of a lightning bolt during rain has a temperature hotter than the surface of the sun, breaking the strong bonds between the two nitrogen atoms. The freed nitrogen atoms then react with oxygen in the air to form nitrogen oxides, such as nitric oxide (NO). These oxides dissolve in the rainwater and turn into nitric acid. This rainwater then falls on the ground, and the nitric acid in it reacts with the minerals in the soil, which converts it into nitrites and nitrates. This is considered a plant-friendly form of Nitrogen or protein. This is then taken by plants through their roots.
N₂ + O₂ → 2NO (high temperature/ lightning)
2NO + O₂ → 2NO₂
3NO₂ + H₂O → 2HNO₃ + NO
The nitric acid then reacts with soil minerals → nitrates (NO₃⁻)
So, from now on, if you ever wonder what the purpose of this scary lightning is, you should know the science behind it. Lightning, with all its flashy and majestic power, is responsible for providing nitrogen to the plants, even if it's already in abundance in Earth’s atmosphere, but plants can’t absorb it. Every storm is a blessing, as it is literally feeding the ecosystem of Earth. Science proves these experiences humbling for all mankind.
In countries like Pakistan and India, Farming is the staple livelihood for their people. It is considered the backbone of the country's economy, contributing 17% to India's GDP and employing over 70% of the population. In Pakistan, it contributes 23% to GDP and employs 37.4% of the population, underscoring the profession's supremacy, as it depends on the health of crops and plants, which grow better after storms and lightning, as they provide nitrogen to the plants. Monsoon is the peak season of agriculture in Pakistan and India, as the lightning, rain, and thunderstorms make it easier for plants and crops to absorb the natural fertiliser, and rainfall gives enough water supply for the crops of the season. That is why you will see greener and healthier crops after every rain. Most of the agricultural land in Pakistan and India uses rainfed farming, where most of the agriculture takes place during the monsoon season. Major crops like wheat, rice, pulses, etc., which are considered staples in both countries, are grown in these areas because they demand high nitrogen for their growth. Lightning helps to fulfil their nitrogen requirements for protein formation and helps them to yield properly. This also reduces the farming cost as artificial fertilisers are expensive and cost a lot for the poor farmers, while helping them afford a living.
With all its necessities, the hazards and the horror of lightning are real. It can induce severe risk to life and infrastructure. Lightning strikes are mostly proven to be fatal, as it causes cardiac arrest. And whoever survives must experience brain injuries and neurological and auditory damage. The direct strike on the ground causes irreversible damage to livestock, resulting in fire, killing of animals, and destruction of the seasonal crops. All this damage reverses the economic progress for farmers, common citizens, and the country’s whole GDP.
Extreme climate change, a recently studied phenomenon, has an impact on lightning, making it more destructive and frightening. Climate change and lightning are both linked with the fundamentals of physics. The warmer temperatures are due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases, leading to an increase in evaporation and a higher level of atmospheric pressure. The constant movement and collision of water droplets generate static energy, which then results in lightning. Research suggests that for every 1°C increase in global temperature, lightning strikes could surge by approximately 12%. This translates to a potential 50% increase in lightning strikes in the United States alone by the end of the century if warming continues at its current pace. Furthermore, a study published in Nature Communications revealed a 41% increase in the frequency of lightning worldwide due to climate change.
The increase in the severity, frequency, and intensity of lightning in recent times is making it increasingly dangerous and alarming. As members of the human race, we all contribute to the climate in one way or another. There are some measures we all should take to mitigate the hazards of lightning. This includes climate action, as it is the long-term, reliable commitment to reduce greenhouse gases from the environment, which are causing global warming. The government should install an early warning system and lightning-safe shelters that would minimise damage. There should be public awareness campaigns that would educate the people about the hazards and their responsibilities during an emergency.
Though lightning is a natural process and the Earth needs it to sustain life, it has its own repercussions that highly depend upon human activities like the use of heavy technologies, industrialisation, fuel production, etc. All these cause unnatural changes in the climate, which are destroying nature on Earth.
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