This process may produce fulgurites, a form of glass.
One theory of this phenomenon suggests that it occurs when cosmic rays trigger a runaway avalanche of particles, and it may itself trigger terrestrial gamma-ray flashes. A descending stepped leader connects to a return stroke along an ionized channel that subsequently is superheated by this phenomenon, producing a shock wave. This process may produce fulgurites, a form of glass. It proceeds along a path that may be formed by runaway breakdown in the atmosphere, and it usually occurs due to a negative potential in the clouds. For 10 points, give the name for atmospheric electrical discharges, which are often accompanied by thunder.
One theory of this phenomenon suggests that it occurs when cosmic rays trigger a runaway avalanche of particles, and it may itself trigger terrestrial gamma-ray flashes.
lightning [prompt on “electricity” or word forms; prompt on “sprites”; prompt on “jets”; prompt on “elves”; do not accept “thunder”] &lt;AS&gt;