Catatumbo Lightning: What Is The Beacon Of Maracaibo?

The Katatumbo lightning phenomenon in Venezuela is characterized by frequent lightning strikes, occurring mostly at night over Lake Maracaibo. It is most active in September and October and least active in January and February. The phenomenon is driven by local climatic and topographical factors, including the interaction of warm and cool air masses. Anhel Munoz developed a model to predict lightning occurrences based on variables like sea surface temperatures and humidity. The phenomenon, once considered supernatural, is now understood through natural variables and their interactions.

What makes the Katatumbo lightning phenomenon unique compared to global lightning patterns?

• It is accompanied by heavy rainfall.

• It is silent and without thunder.

• It occurs over land during the afternoon.

• It occurs over water during the night.

Which geographical feature contributes to the high frequency of Katatumbo lightning?

• The Andes Mountains

• The Rocky Mountains

• The Amazon Rainforest

• The Sahara Desert

What role does the Caribbean Sea play in the Katatumbo lightning phenomenon?

• It absorbs the lightning's energy.

• It provides cold air currents.

• It supplies moisture for storms.

• It blocks the warm air from rising.

What is the CAPE variable used for in the context of Katatumbo lightning?

• Measuring the speed of wind currents

• Determining the amount of rainfall

• Assessing the instability needed for storm development

• Calculating the temperature of the sea surface

How does the Maracaibo Basin nocturnal low-level jet influence the Katatumbo lightning?

• It prevents cloud formation.

• It cools down the surrounding air.

• It reduces the frequency of lightning.

• It transports moisture to the SW basin.