The friction of ash particles rubbing against each other in volcanic eruptions and explosions creates static electricty that discharges as lightning bolts. So the ash clouds over major eruptions frequently have spectacular electrical displays. There's another terrific picture of volcanic lightning in this post on Chaiten, plus a couple of links to large and other similar pics.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Lava and Lightning
So what is with me and lightning and volcanoes? I can't explain it, I just think they're really pretty and pretty amazing. And like chocolate and peanut butter, I think they're two great tastes that taste great together. From today's Earth Science Picture of the Day. More info here; Full size here.
The friction of ash particles rubbing against each other in volcanic eruptions and explosions creates static electricty that discharges as lightning bolts. So the ash clouds over major eruptions frequently have spectacular electrical displays. There's another terrific picture of volcanic lightning in this post on Chaiten, plus a couple of links to large and other similar pics.
The friction of ash particles rubbing against each other in volcanic eruptions and explosions creates static electricty that discharges as lightning bolts. So the ash clouds over major eruptions frequently have spectacular electrical displays. There's another terrific picture of volcanic lightning in this post on Chaiten, plus a couple of links to large and other similar pics.
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