Volcanic Lightning

Volcanic lightning is a mysterious and powerful phenomenon occurring during volcanic eruptions, rather than thunderstorms. It involves a barrage of lightning produced by volcanic activity.

Causes and Mechanism

• Normal lightning is caused by electrostatic discharge between charged cloud regions.
• Volcanic lightning occurs in the early stages of a volcanic eruption.
• The primary cause is the collision between ash particles within the volcanic plume.
  • These collisions generate static electricity, building up charges and creating lightning.
• Lightning can occur in two places:
  • In dense ash clouds close to the ground.
  • Higher in the eruption plume, where ice particles from vaporized water collide.
• Volcanic plumes have higher water content compared to thunderstorms.
• Additional causes include rock fragments and ash.

Significance and Safety

• Volcanic lightning serves as a warning system for imminent eruptions.
• Detection by systems like the World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN) helps in timely evacuation alerts.
• Monitors are crucial for aviation safety, preventing engine failure due to volcanic ash.

Historical Accounts

• First recorded by Pliny the Younger during Mount Vesuvius's eruption in 79 AD.
• Italian physicist Luigi Palmieri conducted early studies at Mount Vesuvius, observing lightning in eruptions from 1858 to 1872.