At the Speed of Lightning

Synopsis

Opens with a brief introduction to the history of lightning studies. Thundercloud formation and theories about the build up of charges are shown. Shows the French lightning study centre at Foudre in the Massif Centrale where there are more thunderstorms each year than anywhere else in France. Under controlled conditions, when a storm seems likely to discharge lightning, the researchers trigger the lightning by firing rockets into the clouds. The rockets carry a conductor wire which is attached to the ground. Shows the apparatus used to record lightning events triggered in this way.

Language

English

Country

France

Medium

Video; Film. 16mm. sd. col. 25 min.

Year of production

1978

Availability

OUT OF DISTRIBUTION

Uses

Courses on atmospheric physics.*

Subjects

Physics

Keywords

clouds; France; lightning; meteorology; thunderstorms

Distribution Formats

Type

Film

Format

16mm

Distributor

Name

French Scientific Film Library