What defines lightning amperage?

Lightning amperage is defined as the rate of current flow during a lightning strike. This is because amperage (measured in amperes, or "amps") directly quantifies how much electrical charge is flowing per unit of time. During a lightning strike, the enormous current can vary widely, but it is often in the range of tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of amps, illustrating just how powerful these natural electrical phenomena can be.

Understanding that amperage specifically refers to the flow of electric charge helps clarify its role in lightning. While other concepts like electrical potential difference, duration of strikes, and the strength of the electrical field are related to the overall characteristics of lightning, they do not specifically define amperage. Each of these factors plays a role in the behavior and effects of lightning, but amperage remains distinctly linked to the flow of current itself. This definition is critical in lightning protection design and understanding how systems must be capable of handling such high levels of current safely.