Reverse lightning, also known as a return stroke, is a flash of light in the sky caused by an electrical discharge from the Earth's surface upwards to a cloud. This is the opposite of typical lightning, which usually travels from cloud to cloud or from a cloud to the ground.
Understanding Reverse Lightning
Here's a breakdown of what constitutes reverse lightning:
- Definition: An electrical discharge originating from the ground and moving towards a cloud.
- Why "Reverse"? Because the typical direction of lightning is from cloud to ground.
- Alternative Name: Also referred to as a "return stroke."
Comparison: Regular vs. Reverse Lightning
| Feature | Regular Lightning (Cloud-to-Ground) | Reverse Lightning (Ground-to-Cloud) |
|---|---|---|
| Direction | Cloud to ground | Ground to cloud |
| Starting Point | Cloud | Earth's surface |
| Common Name | Lightning | Return Stroke, Reverse Lightning |
