Two ANSTO researchers have collaborated on research that has confirmed lightning can reshape rock at the atomic level.

Greg Lumpkin and Kath Smith were co-authors on a paper that has been published in American Minerologist. The research led by Reto Gieré of the University of Pennsylvania investigated distinct shock structures, lamellae that are formed beneath the surface of fulgarites.

Fulgarites are natural tubes or crusts of glass formed by the fusion of quartz or rock that are created by lightning strikes.

The research confirmed that a lightning strike could produce lamellae. Prior to the study, it was thought that only meteorite impacts could deform rock in this way.

Read more on the University of Pennsylvania website.

DOI: org/10.2138/am-2015-5218