[A. Spectre]

Just another beautiful day in Iceland.






Lightning is generally caused by the separation of positively and negatively charged particles in the atmosphere. Once the charge separation becomes large enough to overcome the insulating properties of air, electricity will flow in between the positively and negatively charged particles as bolts of lightning and neutralize the charge.

Thousands of lightning flashes have been observed over large volcanic eruptions. Scientists think that the charged particles responsible for volcanic lightning may originate from both the material ejected from the volcano and through charge formation processes within ash clouds moving through the atmosphere. However, only a few scientific studies have been conducted on volcanic lightning to date. Hence, the exact cause of volcanic lightning is still being actively debated.

Bottom line: Intense and spectacular lightning storms can be produced during large volcanic eruptions. Scientists think that the charged particles responsible for volcanic lightning may originate from both the material ejected from the volcano and through charge formation processes within ash clouds moving through the atmosphere.

Iceland is one of the most progressive countries on the planet, definitely a place where I would consider living. Volcanoes can make air travel problematic, many flights are scuppered due to this most stunning phenomena.