Scientists continue to study lightning, yet nature holds a still more unusual phenomenon. This is volcanic lightning. One of the suggestions put forward by scientists says that the phenomenon arises from the electric charge of volcanic ash or of magma bubbles. The cause of volcanic lightning may be colliding dust particles. On the internet one can find quite a few videos with various types of lightning. To watch them, it is best to settle comfortably in front of a large screen. In this way one can examine all the details of what is happening carefully. To obtain such videos, scientists install mini-cameras near the crater. Special detectors of wave radiation make it possible to record the slightest changes.
Scientists believe that when magma separates into its separate components, electrical processes occur that lead to weaker discharges. Larger lightning appears in the ash cloud when the temperature is below −20 °C. The same can be observed in clouds during a thunderstorm. The studies also made it possible to find a relationship between the power and frequency of the lightning and the height of the cloud formed from ash.
It is worth noting that every volcanic eruption is individual. And this means that lightning will not always occur. Depending on the features of the eruption, the electrification of the aerosol will also differ. In a volcanic cloud a number of specific processes take place that have a key influence on the formation of discharges. First, there is the high temperature. Second, there is the considerable difference in temperature between the gas and the particles in it. It should also be borne in mind that the volcano's aerosol consists of volcanic bomb, lapilli, scoria and ash.
Kinds of volcanic lightning
Analysis of the data obtained showed that two types of lightning can be seen during a volcanic eruption. Some of them are quite powerful and form high up in the cloud formed by ash. The others are small discharges that appear closer to the crater. It was suggested that the causes of the different types of lightning differ somewhat.Scientists believe that when magma separates into its separate components, electrical processes occur that lead to weaker discharges. Larger lightning appears in the ash cloud when the temperature is below −20 °C. The same can be observed in clouds during a thunderstorm. The studies also made it possible to find a relationship between the power and frequency of the lightning and the height of the cloud formed from ash.
It is worth noting that every volcanic eruption is individual. And this means that lightning will not always occur. Depending on the features of the eruption, the electrification of the aerosol will also differ. In a volcanic cloud a number of specific processes take place that have a key influence on the formation of discharges. First, there is the high temperature. Second, there is the considerable difference in temperature between the gas and the particles in it. It should also be borne in mind that the volcano's aerosol consists of volcanic bomb, lapilli, scoria and ash.