Michael, thanks for your response.

Recently on one of those Discovery type programs, I think I saw how they said that lightning actually travels up, rather than down. Seems this might have become common knowledge overnight, but I am not sure.

If lightning does in fact travel up, it must originate in the earth?? (Growing up, I had always thought it was from two clouds crashing together.)

What is that flash of light that is so commonly reported during earthquakes, and I have actually seen myself???

I sure would like to see some data to disprove this idea also. I wonder if anyone lurking on this board is from the Azores or can comment on the recent weather in that area? Of course that would not substitute for data, but if it looks interesting, it could stir someone up to look for data.

I still have not seen any response from Roger. He will likely know if there has been such a correlation study already done.