Volcanic lightning, also known as "dirty thunderstorms", refers to a phenomenon that occurs when lightning is produced within a volcanic plume, ash cloud, or lava flow during an eruption. This lightning is different from the normal thunderstorms we see as it is caused by the interaction of ash particles, ice, and rock fragments in the volcanic plume. The intense heat and pressure created during the eruption cause the ash particles to collide, resulting in the buildup of electric charges, which can eventually discharge as lightning. These electrical discharges can be very dangerous for people in the vicinity of the volcano, and can also pose a threat to aircraft flying nearby.
Volcanic lightning is an electrical discharge caused by a volcanic eruption rather than from an ordinary thunderstorm. Volcanic lightning arises from colliding, fragmenting particles of volcanic ash, which generate static electricity within the volcanic plume, leading to the name dirty thunderstorm.
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Answer:
Volcanic lightning, also known as "dirty thunderstorms", refers to a phenomenon that occurs when lightning is produced within a volcanic plume, ash cloud, or lava flow during an eruption. This lightning is different from the normal thunderstorms we see as it is caused by the interaction of ash particles, ice, and rock fragments in the volcanic plume. The intense heat and pressure created during the eruption cause the ash particles to collide, resulting in the buildup of electric charges, which can eventually discharge as lightning. These electrical discharges can be very dangerous for people in the vicinity of the volcano, and can also pose a threat to aircraft flying nearby.
Verified answer
Volcanic lightning is an electrical discharge caused by a volcanic eruption rather than from an ordinary thunderstorm. Volcanic lightning arises from colliding, fragmenting particles of volcanic ash, which generate static electricity within the volcanic plume, leading to the name dirty thunderstorm.