TED-ED: The most lightning-struck place on Earth - Graeme Anderson

The video discusses Sir Francis Drake's failed attempt to overthrow Spanish settlers at Lake Maracaibo due to unexpected lightning storms. Lake Maracaibo is known for its frequent and intense thunderstorms, making it the stormiest place on Earth. The video explains how lightning forms and highlights global lightning patterns, emphasizing the high lightning density at the equator compared to polar regions. It also explores the factors contributing to Maracaibo's storms, such as solar energy, water vapor, and mountain ranges. Finally, it describes how sailors use the Maracaibo Beacon as a natural lighthouse.

What natural event thwarted Sir Francis Drake's plan to attack the Spanish settlers at Lake Maracaibo?

• A sudden storm

• A massive earthquake

• Flashes of lightning

• A tidal wave

How many times does lightning strike the Earth on average each second?

• Eleven times

• Thirty times

• Twenty times

• Five times

Which region has the highest lightning density on Earth?

• The Amazon Rainforest

• Lake Maracaibo

• The Sahara Desert

• The polar regions

What geographical feature near Lake Maracaibo contributes to its frequent thunderstorms?

• Two massive mountain ranges

• A large forest

• A deep canyon

• A nearby desert

What do sailors call the natural phenomenon at Lake Maracaibo that helps them navigate?

• The Maracaibo Beacon

• The Maracaibo Lighthouse

• The Maracaibo Guide

• The Maracaibo Signal