A stormy day in New Port Richey, Florida has become a historic day. Lightning struck a tree leading to the discovery of a new phosphorus-based material.
Scientists at the University of South Florida (USF) examined it, and realized that this material had never before been found in solid form on Earth. It may even belong to a new group of minerals.
The lightning that created an earthquake
Matthew Pasek, geoscientist and lead author of the study, explains that similar material has only been found in meteorites and in space, but never on Earth. How is it possible? As it turns out, high-energy events like lightning can trigger unique chemical reactions, as in this case. The new material appears to be a sort of "link" between terrestrial and space minerals.
Pasek explains that when lightning strikes a tree, the surrounding ground rises and the grass dies, leaving a scar on the ground. The energy discharged by lightning passes through rocks, soil and sand, thus forming fulgurites, also known as "fossilized lightning". In the case of Florida, where humidity is high, iron accumulates around the roots of trees and, when struck by lightning, combines with the carbon present in the tree, giving rise to a kind of metallic "globe". containing colored crystals.
A more unique than rare material
Scientists have tried to recreate the material in the lab, but to no avail. This suggests that it forms rapidly under very precise conditions and that, if heated for too long, it transforms into a mineral typical of meteorites.
Some previous studies believe that this process of phosphate reduction through lightning was a widespread phenomenon in the early Earth and may have played a significant role in the development of life on our planet.
More research is needed to understand the frequency of such events and the role they played in Earth's evolution. In the meantime, if you're interested in learning more Find the study here, published in Nature Communications.
