Abstract: Abstract: To examine lightning strike distribution differences across different mountainous terrains, this study proposes two parameters to characterize the frequency of lightning strikes over various topography: the lightning strike coefficient (k₁) and lightning density coefficient (k₂). Using the striking distance theory, formulas for k₁ and k₂ were derived for three microtopography types (mountain peak, mountainside and valley). The influence of terrain height, slope, and lightning current intensity on lightning distribution was systematically examined. Finally, the model was validated by using the VLF/LF lightning monitoring data from the Dahong Mountain area over the past decade. The results indicate that mountain peaks attract lightning discharges, exhibiting the highest lightning strike coefficient and lightning density coefficient, while valleys have a shielding effect, showing the lowest values, and mountainside lies intermediately. As terrain elevation increases, the differences in lightning strike coefficient and lightning density coefficient become smaller and gradually stabilizes. With increasing mountain slope, lightning strike coefficient has significant differences in different terrains, while the lightning density coefficient shows a decreasing trend. Higher lightning current intensities amplify the disparities in both lightning strike coefficient and lightning density coefficient. Empirical tests confirmed agreement between theoretical models and actual lightning distribution. These findings help to refine lightning protection strategies in terms of lightning protection engineering design and disaster risk assessment in mountainous areas.