| Abstract: | A study of remanent magnetization is made at the areas of lightning strikes. In the case of triggered lightning (Okushishiku, Hokuriku district), the magnetic direction of the specimens shows a clockwise rotation pattern around the point of lightning strike. At an archaeological site in Miyagi Prefecture, an anticlockwise pattern of the magnetic direction was detected. These results indicate that a stable remanent magnetization is acquired by the strong magnetic field induced surrounding the lightning current, both in negative and positive lightning flashes. Also, a detailed analysis of magnetization clarifies the electric current flow underground caused by the lightning. The study of remanent magnetization will become a useful method to elucidate the path of the lightning current. © 1998 Scripta Technica, Electr Eng Jpn, 123(4): 41–47, 1998 |
