❓ why
Why do volcanic eruptions sometimes trigger lightning in the ash cloud?
Quick Answer
The ash cloud becomes electrically charged as particles collide and separate in the turbulent plume. That charge builds up enough to produce lightning, much like in thunderclouds.
The Full Story
Volcanic plumes contain ash, rock fragments, ice, and gas moving at high speed. As these particles rub against each other and separate, they can transfer electric charge through a process similar to triboelectric charging. Once the charge difference becomes large enough, lightning discharges through the plume. During the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption in Iceland, spectacular volcanic lightning was widely photographed.
Key Facts
1.Volcanic lightning can occur in ash-rich eruption plumes
2.Eyjafjallajökull’s 2010 eruption produced dramatic lightning
3.Particle collisions can build electric charge in the plume
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"How a volcano can make its own lightning storm"
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