Lightning in the Tropics Dictates Ozone Sensitivity, Impacting Climate Change.
Ozone in the upper tropical troposphere is important for climate change. Nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds affect ozone levels. The location of deep convection influences trace gas distribution. Ozone production is highest over South America and Africa due to lightning. The ratio of formaldehyde to NO2 helps determine ozone sensitivity. Lightning in the tropics plays a major role in ozone formation.