<p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dust_storm">Sandstorms</a> occur in dry areas, particularly deserts. The sand particles are fairly uniform in size. As the dry sand moves due to the wind it begins a leaping process known as saltation. Quoting the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dust_storm">Wikipedia article</a>:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>the initial saltation of sand particles induces a static electric field by friction</p>
</blockquote>

<p>The sand particles become polarized and as the particles begin to hit each other the polarization on each grain gets rearranged and the degree of polarization doubles with each interaction. With a build up of static electric charge <a href="http://www.technologyreview.com/view/418236/how-sandstorms-generate-spectacular-lightning-displays/">lightning can develop</a>.</p>

<p>The greatest build up of static charge occurs in sandstorms of <a href="http://www.livescience.com/8195-mystery-sandstorm-lightning-explained.html">intermediate thickness</a>.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-11-19T00:52:32.390Z
2015-11-19T01:17:12.030Z
2015-11-19T01:17:12.030Z
Fred
<p>In a sandstorm, is there a buildup of static electricity? If so, does that produce lightning strikes? Also if you were to be inside the storm what would the build of that level of static feel like?  </p>

<desert><storms><electromagnetism>
Is there a buildup of static electricity in a sandstorm?
Donovan
# Is there a buildup of static electricity in a sandstorm?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2015-11-18)

In a sandstorm, is there a buildup of static electricity? If so, does that produce lightning strikes? Also if you were to be inside the storm what would the build of that level of static feel like?

**Tags:** desert, storms, electromagnetism


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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2015-11-19. Score: 7

[Sandstorms](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dust_storm) occur in dry areas, particularly deserts. The sand particles are fairly uniform in size. As the dry sand moves due to the wind it begins a leaping process known as saltation. Quoting the [Wikipedia article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dust_storm):

> the initial saltation of sand particles induces a static electric field by friction

The sand particles become polarized and as the particles begin to hit each other the polarization on each grain gets rearranged and the degree of polarization doubles with each interaction. With a build up of static electric charge [lightning can develop](http://www.technologyreview.com/view/418236/how-sandstorms-generate-spectacular-lightning-displays/).

The greatest build up of static charge occurs in sandstorms of [intermediate thickness](http://www.livescience.com/8195-mystery-sandstorm-lightning-explained.html).


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