What Trees Tell Us About Lightning

Only one item in all of nature records the high energy discharge of a lightning strike - the tree. A tree, much like video tape, retains an image for us to view. Lightning will leave its trail burned deep within the tree. In many cases as the lightning bolt makes its way to the ground, the bark of the tree is blown off, as shown in photograph #1.

Photograph #1
For years experts have theorized that explosive heating of the moisture in the cambium layer of the wood directly beneath the bark (see illustration) is the reason for the bark being stripped away.
They feel the lightning is traveling down the outside of the tree or just under the bark. We are not so sure!
Photograph #2
The tree in photo #1 was cut down just after it was struck by lightning. As it was cut in 24" logs a pattern started to emerge. There were two distinct burn marks on the logs (see photo #2).


Based upon the markings of the cut sections we have developed our own theory. We believe at a specific right angle to the lightning bolt there is a powerful energy field. This particular energy field is not the same as the magnetic field which surrounds the bolt but rather it is much like a tab projecting out in one direction only.
Photograph #3

The case in point can be seen in photo #3. The lightning bolt traveled down (or up) the center of the tree. At a right angle to it is a second burn mark.

Photograph #4

As the tree trunk widens the mark is farther out (see photo #4). This second mark is behind the part of the bark that is blown away.
In photo #5 you clearly see the energy moving outward. This is not the heating of the moisture under the cambium bark! The bark is discolored on the outside of the tree adjacent to this area.
In photo #6 the outward burn marks are again evident.

Photograph #5

Photograph #6


At first glance it appears the lightning traveled down the center of the tree to ground blowing off the bark in one direction only. As the tree trunk widens, the energy is not sufficient to blow off the bark so it only discolors it.
Photograph #7
But, if it moves down the tree how do we explain this small branch out on one of the limbs that have burned marks down the center and two more burn marks at a specific right angle as shown in photo #7? Is it possible that the lightning travels up the tree from the ground and out several branches instead of the generally accepted route?
Finally, what about the spiral path? Is this slow, clockwise turn down the trunk of a tree the true path of the lightning bolt? Does lightning have a clockwise spin? Many trees exhibit this exact characteristic after being struck by lightning; many do not.


The complete set of photographs along with the cut sections of the damaged tree have been offered to one of the members of NASA-STAC members for evaluation. The member institution specializes in agriculture and we feel they can answer some of these questions. We will post their report.


Please e-mail us your theory on this subject. Your input will be appreciated. We would like to reserve the right to add your report to the bottom of the page under Theories.

E-mail us your theory!


Samuel N. Gasque, Jr.
Protective Wire and Cable

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