Reference

Lightning produces molecules that can "clean" the atmosphere, according to research published this month in Science (Brune et al., 2021) and authored by a number of NOAA research scientists. The research demonstrates not only that lightning produces hydroxyl (OH) and hydroperoxyl (HO 2), but also produces amounts much greater than expected due to weaker, subvisible electrical discharges.

Lightning bolts break apart nitrogen and oxygen molecules in the atmosphere and create reactive chemicals that affect greenhouse gases. Now, atmospheric chemists have found that lightning, and, surprisingly, subvisible thunderstorm discharges (which cannot be seen by cameras or the naked eye) produce extreme amounts of the hydroxyl (OH) and hydroperoxyl radicals (HO 2).

Lightning bolts break apart nitrogen and oxygen molecules in the atmosphere and create reactive chemicals that affect greenhouse gases. Now, a team of researchers have found that lightning bolts and subvisible discharges that cannot be seen by cameras or the naked eye produce extreme amounts of the hydroxyl radical — OH — and hydroperoxyl radical — HO2.