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Volcanic lightning puts on a 'dirty thunderstorm' display

Original: This is volcanic lightning — a dirty thunderstorm. Ash particles colliding inside an eruption plume build up static char

Volcanic lightning, known as a dirty thunderstorm, occurs when ash particles colliding inside an eruption plume build up static charge until the cloud discharges bolts of lightning. The phenomenon drew renewed attention after mention of the 2022 Hunga Tonga eruption, which set the all-time record, unleashing more lightning than any storm ever recorded.

Why now: The spectacular phenomenon and the record-setting Hunga Tonga eruption are recirculating as people share striking natural events.

Hunga Tongavolcanic lightning

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Evidence

• This is volcanic lightning — a dirty thunderstorm. Ash particles colliding inside an eruption plume build up static charge until the whole cloud starts firing bolts.\n\nThe 2022 Hunga Tonga eruption set the all-time record, unleashing more lightning than any storm ever… · eatrics · 7

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