1. Lightning-induced shock lamellae in quartz.
- Author
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GIERÉ, RETO, WIMMENAUER, WOLFHARD, MÜLLER-SIGMUND, HILTRUD, WIRTH, RICHARD, LUMPKIN, GREGORY R., and SMITH, KATHERINE L.
- Subjects
QUARTZ ,TRANSMISSION electron microscopy ,FULGURITES ,HYPERVELOCITY ,LIGHTNING research - Abstract
Using transmission electron microscopy we show that planar deformation lamellae occur within quartz in the substrate of a rock fulgurite, i.e., a lightning-derived glass. These lamellae exist only in a narrow zone adjacent to the quartz/fulgurite boundary and are comparable to planar deformation features ("shock lamellae") caused by hypervelocity impacts of extra-terrestrial objects. Our observations strongly suggest that the lamellae described here have been formed as a result of the fulgurite-producing lightning strike. This event must have generated a transient pressure pulse, whose magnitude, however, is uncertain at this stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
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