Inside The New York Botanical Garden

Comments

Audrey Burtrum-Stanley said:

Fascinating photograph! Lightening strikes are amazing to observe; I have witnessed the results AFTER several tree strikes and generally, bark is blown off the tree. This is because the lightening produces a temperature of 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit (or greater) along with an electrical charge of 100 million volts. Sometimes, the tree even bursts into flame! The sap boils plus steam is generated from within the tree and literally, the wood cells explode. This photographed burn pattern (on what I assume is a beech tree) is a remarkable record of the power and beauty of nature. I commend your astute photographer for recording and sharing this image. (P.S. It would be interesting to note, a year from now, if the tree survives.)