In the Desert Southwest of the
U.S. the late summer brings on the monsoon season. A time of year
that features late afternoon thunderstorms that tower high above
the desert sands below. The Saguaro cactus often falls victim
to the many lightning bolts that make their way to Earth. Sometimes
you can find one that has taken the full brunt of a direct lightning
strike.
This Saguaro took
a direct hit.
The top portion of
the cactus exploded.
The pieces then rained
down beside the trunk.
Leaving a pile of
debris behind.
The bolt then entered
the top of the cactus.
Then exited out, leaving
a charred hole
It then travelled
down the side, leaving a burnt trail
The bolt eventually
made it to ground.
The top of this Saguaro cactus
is splintered where it took a direct hit from a lightning bolt.