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Name:  Michael T.
Status: other
Age: 50s
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: 2000-2001
Question:
Ships anchored by chain do not seem to have a major problem with lightning strikes. Why?

Hi, Michael !!!

Well, as you know, a lightning conductor in sky-scrappers has not the chief task of attracting the lightning, but has the function of discharge the atmosphere. The better the electrical connection, the better the electrical discharge. Your question : " ships anchored by chain do not seem to have a major >problem with lightning strikes. Why? " The answer seems to me to be that ships discharge, rather then attracts lightning.

Best regards

Alcir Grohmann

Michael,

The chain is no easier for electricity to pass through than the water around it. The chain contacting the bottom of the boat is no more attractive to the lightning bolt than is the water touching the boat. A thick chain passing from the top of a wooden mast to the water might be a little "attractive", but it would act as a lightning rod. Very little electricity would enter the wood of the boat.

Dr. Ken Mellendorf
Illinois Central College


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