10. Mountain Thunderstorms: Azure Strikes on High Peaks
Mountains offer special circumstances for blue lightning to develop. Often the result of cooling and condensing as air rises mountain slopes, thunderstorms form. Particularly at higher altitudes when the air is thinner and drier, these orographic thunderstorms can generate amazing shows of blue lightning. Reduced air density at height lets lightning travel farther, usually producing longer, more obvious blue bolts. Moreover, the clean air usually found in hilly areas improves the blue wavelength visibility. Not only aesthetically beautiful but also scientifically important are mountain thunderstorms include blue lightning. Scientists investigate these events in order to better grasp how topography shapes lightning generation and behaviour. Strong updrafts and great electrical activity indicated by blue lightning in mountain storms can give important information for climate studies and weather prediction in mountainous areas.