The occurrence of permanent thunderstorms requires certain climatic conditions. When a relatively stable strong electric field is formed in a certain area, it can become a permanent thunderstorm area. As an extremely powerful natural phenomenon, the release of lightning requires some special physical conditions. When negative charges accumulate in clouds, an electric field will be formed between clouds and the ground. At this time, when the voltage exceeds the bearing capacity of air insulation, there will be a strong discharge between the clouds and the ground. On the cognitive level, lightning discharge is mainly divided into two types, namely cloud-to-ground lightning and cloud-to-cloud lightning. In an eternal thunderstorm area, these two types of lightning phenomena will continue to occur.
The Mdala area in Namibia was once an eternal thunderstorm area, which lasted for nearly 200 years. Mdala is described by residents as a place of eternal darkness, because there is only about 200 hours of light at most every year, and lightning strikes often occur. There is lightning all year round here, but it is rare on sunny days. In the past 100 years, a loud noise accompanied by lightning flashes could be heard in this small area every 3 to 10 seconds. No matter day or night, thunder is always roaring here, which brings serious psychological pressure to local residents.
Eternal thunderstorms are characterized by frequent lightning and loud noise, which will be repeated in the same place. Some permanent thunderstorms will be accompanied by strong winds and heavy rains, and sometimes lead to disasters such as mountain fires.
The energy released by lightning caused by permanent thunderstorms is huge and difficult to measure accurately. But it turns out that they will bring huge current and voltage fluctuations to the local land. The electric field in thunderstorm area can reach hundreds of kilovolts, and the total energy is only equivalent to the explosion energy of about 10 nuclear bomb.
In the past, people thought that eternal thunderstorms were caused by some geological structural anomalies. However, through scientific research, it is found that the occurrence of eternal thunderstorms is related to environmental conditions, climate and other factors. For example, eternal thunderstorms usually occur in tropical climates, because the air in these areas contains a lot of water, which will lead to changes in the temperature and density of clouds, which will lead to the continuous release of lightning.
It is very dangerous to carry out outdoor activities in perennial thunderstorm areas. Because lightning never stops in the eternal thunderstorm area, it may hit the human body at any time. Therefore, if outdoor activities must be carried out in this area, correct preventive and protective measures must be taken. At the same time, it is also forbidden to build houses or underground facilities in permanent thunderstorm areas to avoid losses caused by natural disasters to the maximum extent.
When conducting scientific research and observation activities in permanent thunderstorm areas, detailed safety measures and action plans should be formulated. When conducting scientific research in this area, you should find a safe observation area for observation, do not stay outdoors for too long, take appropriate insulation measures, keep your body grounded, and use lightning protection equipment when necessary.
Besides the Namibian permanent thunderstorm zone, there are other famous permanent thunderstorm zones, such as Micro-Paalaste Island in Antarctica and Lake Maracaibo at the mouth of Catatumbo River.
In many folk stories, thunderstorm is a symbol to distinguish the gods. For example, in Greek mythology, Zeus's hammer can control thunderstorms, while in Nordic mythology, Thor is the god who dominates thunderstorms. In some cultures, thunderstorms are also considered unlucky and will bring people curses and bad luck.
Many scientists have devoted their lives to the study of eternal thunderstorms and conducted many experiments in their research. For example, the research team of Florida International University in St. Petersburg, Florida, USA, has studied the thunderstorm in Mdala for many years. They observed the formation, propagation and degradation of lightning, and carried out simulation experiments, gradually revealing the scientific principle of this magical phenomenon of eternal thunderstorm area.