This map shows lightning strike density per square kilometer for 10 years. The Mojave Desert in California only has about 1 strike per square kilometer over 10 years. However, there are places along the Gulf Coas with 140+ lightning strikes per square kilometer over 10 years. One interesting discovery is these strikes accumulate over time, and like stacking seismic traces, the patterns get better. Note the purple are in Idaho defining the stake River Plains. Most of the strikes are between the Rocky Mountains and the Applacian Mountains becuase of cold air coming south from Canada.