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The precautions to be taken against a direct strike consist in getting away from the summit or ridges, and, if this is impossible, to get as close to the rock as possible without lying down. A squatting position with head low is ideal. Any pinnacle in the vicinity that is five to ten times the height of the squatting position will give lightning-rod protection. From a study of potential distribution on an idealized mountain (see figure) several important theoretical conclusions may be reached. Since the potential lines are farther apart near the base, it is apparent that it is safer near the base. The long ledge is safer than the sloping ridge near it. The vertical portion of the ridge conducts large currents. Thus, one may conclude that the steeper the rock, at any given height above the base, the more dangerous its ground current. |
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