MLchartDataset catalogue

Clayden effect

Term · Meteorology and atmospheric science · MLC-T-MET-004327

A phenomenon in photography where a photographic emulsion that receives a very brief, high-intensity light exposure becomes less sensitive to a subsequent longer, lower-intensity exposure. This effect is relevant in the photography of lightning, as the initial brilliant return stroke can desensitize the film, potentially preventing the fainter, continuing current or subsequent strokes from being recorded. The result is a reversed or lighter image of the secondary exposure compared to what would be expected.

Table 1. Record
IdentifierMLC-T-MET-004327
FieldMeteorology and atmospheric science
See alsoDark lightning
Record as JSON
{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-004327",
  "term": "Clayden effect",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "A phenomenon in photography where a photographic emulsion that receives a very brief, high-intensity light exposure becomes less sensitive to a subsequent longer, lower-intensity exposure. This effect is relevant in the photography of lightning, as the initial brilliant return stroke can desensitize the film, potentially preventing the fainter, continuing current or subsequent strokes from being recorded. The result is a reversed or lighter image of the secondary exposure compared to what would be expected.",
  "see_also": [
    "dark lightning"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/clayden-effect/"
}

Record 1,720 of 10,816 in Meteorology and atmospheric science terminology (MLC-0110). Request the full dataset.