The science behind the ‘buzzing’ before a lightning strike
You might have seen this viral video recently. Mountaineer Rasul Kadorov was climbing the Cosmic Ridge in the mountains of eastern France when this loud buzzing or fizzing sound started.
Then, BOOM! Lightning struck nearby.
Here’s the fascinating science behind that strange noise.
Static buzz: an audible warning
During a thunderstorm, a massive negative electrical charge builds up at the bottom of the clouds. This strongly repels negative charges on the ground, leaving high-altitude mountain peaks, ridges and even a climber’s equipment with a highly concentrated positive charge.
A corona discharge is caused by static electricity building up between the ground and electrical storm clouds, especially near sharp edges and points. If Kadorov wasn’t wearing a helmet, his hair would have been standing straight up. You can see the effect here.
As the electrical charge intensifies, it ionizes the surrounding air molecules and produces an audible hum, leading up to a bolt of lightning. It can also produce visible faint electrical glows, sometimes called “St. Elmo’s Fire.”
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Lucky to be alive
Kadorov is fortunate the lightning didn’t hit him. He was at extreme risk.
“I have been climbing mountains for around four years and this has never happened to me before,” Kadorov said in an interview.
At 12,300 feet above sea level, Kadorov’s proximity to the storm clouds significantly increased the danger.
“My first reaction was a mix of fear and confusion. Only afterwards did I realize how close it was,” Kadorov said. “When it happened, everything went extremely fast, I felt the electrical discharge, heard the explosive sound and my body reacted before my mind could process it.”
You can see in the video that Kadorov immediately abandoned the climb and started his descent. That’s exactly what he should have done, and it may have saved his life.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, drop any metallic gear you have, such as hiking poles, and descend to shelter.