Editing Lightning (section)

=== {{anchor|Cloud to cloud}} Cloud to cloud (CC) and intra-cloud (IC) ===
Lightning discharges may occur between areas of cloud without contacting the ground. When it occurs between two separate clouds, it is known as {{em|cloud-to-cloud}} (CC) or {{em|inter-cloud}} lightning; when it occurs between areas of differing [[electric potential]] within a single cloud, it is known as {{em|intra-cloud}} (IC) lightning. IC lightning is the most frequently occurring type.<ref name="GHCC primer2" />

IC lightning most commonly occurs between the upper [[cumulonimbus incus|anvil]] portion and lower reaches of a given thunderstorm. This lightning can sometimes be observed at great distances at night as so-called "[[sheet lightning]]". In such instances, the observer may see only a flash of light without hearing any thunder.

Another term used for cloud–cloud or cloud–cloud–ground lightning is "Anvil Crawler", due to the habit of charge, typically originating beneath or within the anvil and scrambling through the upper cloud layers of a thunderstorm, often generating dramatic multiple branch strokes. These are usually seen as a thunderstorm passes over the observer or begins to decay. The most vivid crawler behavior occurs in well developed thunderstorms that feature extensive rear anvil shearing.

<gallery mode="packed">
File:Ligtning new delhi view 1.GIF|Branching of cloud to cloud lightning, [[New Delhi]], India.
File:Cloud to cloud lightning strike.jpg|Multiple paths of cloud-to-cloud lightning, [[Swifts Creek, Victoria|Swifts Creek]], Australia.
File:Baltic thunder.jpg|Intra-clouds lightning over the [[Baltic Sea]].
File:CC lightning, Albury NSW.JPG|Cloud-to-cloud lightning, [[Albury]], Australia
</gallery>