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Updated: Apr 8, 2026
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Method for Recording Broadband High Resolution Emission Spectra of Laboratory Lightning Arcs
Published on: August 27, 2019
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Evaluation of a one-dimensional cloud model for yellow and green thunderstorms
Frank W Gallagher1, William H Beasley
1School of Meteorology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, USA. fgallag@rossby.metr.ou.edu
Applied Optics
|February 7, 2003
Summary
Green light from thunderstorms is caused by atmospheric scattering and water absorption within clouds. These combined effects shift sunlight
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric Optics
- Meteorology
Background:
- Observations of green light from severe thunderstorms in the midwestern United States are frequently reported.
- Spectral measurements confirm the dominant wavelength is in the green portion of the visible spectrum, validating subjective observations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explain the physical mechanisms responsible for the green hue observed in severe thunderstorms.
- To investigate the combined effects of atmospheric scattering and cloud absorption on light wavelengths.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the theoretical framework proposed by Bohren and Fraser.
- Performed model calculations to assess the impact of cloud properties on light wavelengths.
- Analyzed the roles of selective scattering by atmospheric particles and selective absorption by liquid water.
Main Results:
- The study supports a two-effect theory for green thunderstorm light.
- Selective scattering by air molecules and particles reddens incident solar radiation before cloud entry.
- Selective absorption by liquid water in optically thick clouds attenuates longer wavelengths.
Conclusions:
- Combinations of mean drop diameters, liquid-water contents, and cloud thicknesses can shift incident solar radiation to green.
- The proposed theory adequately explains the observed phenomenon of green light from thunderstorms.
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