What happens to the ground when it is struck by lightning?

[DTGKnut]

What happens to the grouns when it is struck by lightning?

Given the incredible energy involved, when a bolt of lightning strikes the ground, something must happen to the ground. For example, if lightning were to strike a piece of sandy ground, would the intense heat energy that results fuse the particles in the ground together, or would it merely dry the ground out?

If the former, is there a name for the resultant formation?

Many Thanks,

DTGKNut

[MrsJo49155]

A bolt of lightning can reach temperatures approaching 28,000 kelvins (50,000 degrees Fahrenheit) in a split second. This is about five times hotter than the surface of the sun. The heat of lightning which strikes loose soil or sandy regions of the ground may fuse the soil or sand into glass channels called fulgurites. These are sometimes found under the sandy surfaces of beaches and golf courses, or in desert regions. Fulgurites are evidence that lightning spreads out into branching channels when it strikes the ground.

[Tony531]

Oh my! And I was just going to offer a flippant answer like "The ground says OUCH, and is deafened!"

But I stand in awe of the real competent answer above, and wonder if there's a real risk of a group Kelvins having a heated debate becoming a bit fulgar ...

[rogerr]

Ditto

But don't the worms get a headache