Ships' fumes a trigger for more lightning strikes

Exhaust emissions blamed for changing storm clouds and generating lightning nearly twice as often directly above busy shipping lanes than in ocean areas nearbyThunderstorm aficionados, if you really want to see some action then get yourself aboard a cargo ship. A new study has shown that lightning strikes occur nearly twice as often above busy shipping lanes than in the regions to either side. It turns out the belching fumes from ship exhausts are helping to trigger extra lightning.Related: Ship