Volcanic lightning is a rare natural phenomenon occuring when a volcano erupts. Scientists are still not sure what causes the lightning, but there are some theories. One theory is that the ash particles created by the eruption become electrically charged as they rub against each other. This creates an electrical field around the ash cloud, which can then generate lightning. Another idea is that the lightning is triggered by the rapid movement of magma, and it creates electrical charges that are then discharged as lightning. Even though it is thought to have a small effect on the overall charging of volcanic plumes, naturally occurring radioisotopes within ejected rock particles may nevertheless influence particle charging
Either way, volcanic lightning is one of the most crazy things to watch. The lightning can take many forms, including bolts, flashes, and spheres. It is often accompanied by thunder and can be seen from miles away.
Volcanic lightning can also provide valuable information about the nature of the volcanoes erupting. The presence of volcanic lightning suggests there are highly charged particles within the volcanic plume. This can indicate the intensity and composition of the eruptive materials. By studying the characteristics of volcanic lightning, scientists can gather data to better understand the underlying processes occurring within a volcano during an eruption.
Although volcanic lightning is a beautiful natural phenomenon, it can also be dangerous. Because after all it is a volcano. The ash cloud created by the volcanic eruption can contain harmful gases and particles, and lightning strikes can pose a threat to people and animals in the vicinity. The combination of both can be very harmful, as the lightning can strike the magma, and vaporize the ash particles creating cancerous fumes in the air.
Overall, volcanic lightning is one of the Earth’s most impressive and fascinating phenomenons, but it is better to observe from a distance.
Related stories
https://hilo.hawaii.edu/csav/lightning.php
https://volcano.oregonstate.edu/volcanic-lightning
https://www.discovery.com/science/volcanic-lightning-happens-at-the-beginning-of-a-volcanic-erupti
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780123859389000626
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