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<B>Voltage Gradient</B>- (Sometimes referred to as 'Ground Current') The surge of voltage  through the ground raidially outward from the lightning <a href="javascript:ld_strikepoint()">strike point</a>.  The  voltage gradient can electrocute anyone standing on the ground close to a 
lightning strike, often the cause of lightning injuries to people or animals who are near a lightning strike but are not directly hit.   The reason that standing under or near a tree during a storm is dangerous is due mainly to the voltage gradient.  Even if the main lightning <a href="javascript:ld_channel()">channel</a> flows entirely through or along the tree and does not jump over and hit  
whoever is standing there, the resulting huge surge of current through the ground surrounding the tree will give a nasty shock to anyone touching the ground nearby.  The reason the term 'gradient' is used is because the voltage in the ground is lower with increasing distance from the strike 
point.   
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