Lake Maracaibo of Venezuela, the most lightning-struck location on Earth, frequently experiences “Catatumbo lightning”.
About the Catatumbo lightning:
- Catatumbo lightning is a specific natural lightning phenomenon that occurs at the mouth of the Catatumbo River, where it meets Lake Maracaibo.
- Warm, moist air from the Caribbean Sea collides with cooler air descending from the Andes mountains, forming cumulonimbus clouds, which helps generate electrical activity.
- This collision of air masses is the factor responsible for the high frequency of lightning in the area.
Impacts of Catatumbo lightning are twofold:
- Positive: It ionizes the atmosphere, contributing to the generation of ozone.
- Negative: It poses fire hazards, among other risks.
Ref: Source
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