❓ why
Why do volcanic lightning storms happen during ash-rich eruptions?
ScienceVolcanoes
Quick Answer
Ash particles collide and build up electric charges, which discharge as lightning in the eruption plume.
The Full Story
Volcanic lightning occurs when tiny fragments of ash, rock, and ice within an eruption plume rub together and become electrically charged. As the charge separates, the atmosphere around the plume can break down electrically and produce lightning. This is most likely in tall, ash-rich eruptions that inject particles high into the air. Eruptions at places such as Eyjafjallajökull in 2010 and Mount Eyjafjallajökull's plume showed how dramatic this can be.
Key Facts
1.Charge builds through particle collisions
2.Ash-rich plumes are most likely to flash
3.Eyjafjallajökull erupted in 2010
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"Why does a volcano make its own lightning?"