Dirty thunderstorms, when lightnings join volcano eruptions

  • When the scene was already overwhelming, the lightnings came along
When the scene was already overwhelming, the lightnings came along
 

When a volcano is erupting, the collision of particles within the volcanic plume results in electrical charge separation, creating lightning forks. Known as a 'dirty thunderstorm' due to the presence of volcanic ash, this lightning does not descend from stormy clouds - it exists purely within the volcanic plume. The volcano effectively has its own disco ball!