1·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。
2·The formation of the channel is initiated when electrons surge from the cloud base toward the ground.
当电子从云层底部涌向地面时，通道就开始形成了。
3·That is why the subsequent lightning that follows the completed channel often strikes a tall structure.
这就是接下来那些通过这条完整通道的闪电往往会击中高层建筑的原因。
4·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。
5·Sometimes, however, a stream of electrons following an established channel is met by a positive stream making a new path up from the ground.
然而，有时，沿着已建立的通道的电子流会遇到正的电子流，正的电子流从地面开始形成新的路径。