LIGHTNING, DOWNED POWER LINE FORM INTRIGUING ROCK STRUCTURE IN DENTON, TEXAS

When technology and infrastructure are overlain upon areas affected by natural disasters, the results may be surprising. In building dams, clear-cutting forested areas, or drawing down water tables, the superposition of human activity upon environmental and geologic systems may lead to dramatic and intensified results. Even the placement of power lines has been shown to result in a unique consequence after a lightning strike in Texas. A quasi-fulgurite formation was created as a result of natural meteorologic and geologic prosesses coupled with electrical surges from a downed 7000 volt power line. This new structure, formed in a sandy clay topsoil, has characteristics of both metamorphic and igneous rocks. Segments of this structure, totaling approximately 3.7 meters and ranging in diameter up to 15.5 centimeters, have been recovered.