CC: I don't think that lightning forms heavy elements in a z-pinch.

Rather, it appears that electrons accelerated to relativistic velocities inside the discharge channel then slam into stationary matter at the end, instantaneously creating the temperatures and pressures necessary for nuclear fusion (i.e., inertial confinement).

 

Besides, I'm not sure that Thornhill is saying that Marklund convection is causing nuclear fusion, but rather, just condensation. Lightning causes fusion, but not condensation. And I'm saying the Marklund convection causes neither.