Few natural spectacles can be as wonderful as a volcanic eruption. We are aware of the danger that they cause, however, these events give us a testimony of the liveliness of the heart of our planet, of its inner strength and its ability to alter, destroy and create. In addition to the spectacle of these lava explosions, there is also a not well-known fact that we want to talk to you about today. Have you heard of volcanic lightning?
These are one of the strangest and most curious phenomena that can be part of volcanic eruptions. Although magnificent, many wonder if they are normal experiences or, on the contrary, represent a change in the course of the earth. The truth is that they are rare phenomena, but their appearance is normal on certain occasions. If you are interested in knowing a little more about them, do not hesitate to continue reading this Supercurious article.
The magic of volcanic rays, what are they?
To the explosive eruptions and those magmatic tongues that are released with unsurpassed beauty, there is sometimes a phenomenon that every lover of these natural events longs to capture with the lens of their camera. They are called volcanic rays.
Seeing them causes real fear. Next to those immense columns of fire and volcanic ash Soaring skyward, they emerge, the volcanic bolts, appearing out of nowhere in a burst of sudden power and showiness.
The truth is that the experts have not yet provided much information on the subject, since they do not always appear and it is quite difficult to capture them when they do. However, the origin must be in that small and roaring inner heart, housed in the hiding place of its volcanic calderas, the secret of its creation.
It was a group of scientists from the University of Alaska and Mexico, who carried out an exhaustive study throughout the months of April and March 2009 at the Redoubt volcano, on the southern coast of Alaska, to obtain sufficient data with the which define the phenomenon of volcanic lightning.
The results were published in the journal «Volcanology and Geothermal Research»where it was explained that, in reality, there were two types of lightning:
The types of rays that exist
- The first volcanic rays last very little and are produced right in the chimney of the volcano itself. They usually appear in the first eruption, due to the high electrical charge of the magma and the speed at which they pass through the volcano’s chimney itself.
- The second volcanic rays originate at distances of between 30 and 50 kilometers from the volcano itself. A wonderful show caused by the friction of millions and millions of tons of ash, which impact against the humidity of those higher layers of the atmosphere. And they are simply spectacular.
But… How is this spectacular phenomenon generated?
Volcanic lightning occurs by the collision of rock fragments, ash and ice particles found in the column of volcanic smoke. When this collision occurs, static electricity is generated, the one that leads to the appearance of lightning.
When this energy appears, the same process of formation of traditional rays is developed. The one with whom They charge the clouds and trigger thunderstorms traditional. The difference is in the materials that are involved.
Frequency and impact on the meteorology of volcanic lightning
It is worth emphasizing that this phenomenon does not occur in all eruptions. Generally, they are part of more explosive eruptions and plumes (spherical masses of lava). Even so, it is a strange phenomenon that participates in a third of the volcanic eruptions throughout the world.
In terms of meteorology, volcanic eruptions and rays should not cause significant changes, unless large amounts of material are expelled that can generate significant impacts on the atmosphere or on air currents. In this way, Volcanic lightning is considered as a normal natural phenomenon in case of eruption.
We are sure that if we could see it in the first person, all of us would be almost breathless before these natural events that, without a doubt, they surpass us and force us to see this wonderful world with a little more humility and respect. Majestic events that we love to bring to you every day.
Before saying goodbye to you, we would love to know what you think about this phenomenon: did you know of its existence? Have you seen or experienced it up close? Would you be interested in being able to observe it? Feel free to let us know everything in the comments section. We are very eager to read you!
Well, and if your curiosity is still alive, we invite you to learn about other curious natural phenomena. We are sure that you will be amazed, not only with its beauty, you will also be surprised to learn about the wonderful power of nature.
Thanks again for reading and see you in a next article, super curious.