Electrocution: New Way to Erode Mountains

Read this article about how lightning can make big changes to mountaintops.

Text-Dependent Questions

  • What specific effects can lightning have on huge mountain rock formations?
  • Lightning carries large amounts of heat energy. Temperatures can reach up to 54,000° F (30,000° C). How does this heat affect rock that is struck by lightning?
  • According to the article, how do scientists find lightning strike locations?
  • Why are the effects of lightning on mountaintops only seen at very high altitudes?