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Lowest thunderstorm in North America

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August 4, 2013

Photo by Chris Tinker. — Photo taken by Chris Tinker on July 6, 2013 at Badwater Basin in Death Valley.

Chris Tinker, an EarthSky friend on Facebook, wrote:

The lowest thunderstorm in North America! Caught a thunderstorm at the Badwater Basin in Death Valley. At 282 feet below sea level, it’s noted as the lowest point in North America. Shot July 6, 2013 – 7:12 a.m.

Death Valley’s Badwater Basin is indeed North America’s point of the lowest elevation. Interestingly, it’s just 84.6 miles (136.2 km) east-southeast of Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States with an elevation of 14,505 feet (4,421 m). Located in eastern California in the Mojave Desert, Death Valley itself is the lowest, hottest and driest part of North America.

Thank you, Chris!

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August 4, 2013

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Deborah Byrd

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Deborah Byrd (asteroid 3505 Byrd) helps edit EarthSky.org and is a frequent host of EarthSky videos. Deborah created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named in her honor in 1990, a Public Service Award from the National Science Board in 2003, and the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society in 2020. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.