What is a probable cause of finding a circle of dead plants in a field after a storm?

The presence of a circle of dead plants in a field after a storm can likely indicate damage caused by lightning. When lightning strikes, it can create intense heat and energy, leading to immediate damage in a localized area where the strike occurs. The concentrated energy can kill plants in a circular pattern around the strike point as the electricity disperses through the soil and into surrounding roots.

In contrast, other options, while they may lead to plant death, typically do not create such distinct, circular patterns. Flood damage often results in a more widespread area being affected due to standing water rather than a defined circle. Pest infestations generally create irregular patterns as they feed indiscriminately, whereas soil salinity affects plant health more uniformly across a field rather than in isolated patches. The unique formation of dead plants in a circle strongly suggests localized lightning activity as the primary cause.