First, a channel, or path, is formed that connects the cloud and the ground.

首先，会形成一个通道或一条路径，将云层和地面连接起来。

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When the negatively and positively charged streams meet, a complete channel connecting the cloud and the ground is formed.

当带负电和带正电的粒子流相遇时，就会形成一条连接云层和地面的完整通道。

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Using high-speed photography, scientists have determined that there are two steps to the occurrence of lightning from a cloud to the ground.

利用高速摄影技术，科学家们已经确定了闪电从云层到达地面有两个步骤。

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If a funnel cloud touches the ground it is generally regarded as a tornado and could lift debris and even cause some minor damage on the ground - depending on the strength of convection within the cloud.

BBC: Funnel clouds, twisters, tornados: What are they?

For the businesses that can make the most of that experience helping the consumer negotiate the passage from cloud to the ground the future belongs to them.

FORBES: The Power of Place

Companies just need to figure out which applications employees will need to tap into to be productive, make those programs available over the cloud, and develop security from the ground up for the devices accessing the cloud.

FORBES: Connect