Volcanic eruptions can trigger their own lightning storms.

Volcanic lightning, often called 'dirty thunderstorms,' occurs due to the triboelectric effect. As magma fragments and ash particles are ejected into the atmosphere, they collide and rub against one another. These high-energy collisions strip electrons from the particles, creating a significant charge separation within the plume.Research conducted by the University of South Florida and the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich has shown that smaller ash particles tend to carry negative charges, while larger particles carry positive ones. Gravity and convection then separate these charges vertically. When the electrical potential difference between these layers becomes too intense, the air's resistance breaks down and a lightning strike occurs.This phenomenon was famously documented during the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland and the 2020 eruption of Taal Volcano in the Philippines. During the Taal event, the volcanic plume generated over 25,000 lightning strikes in just a few hours. Scientists use specialized radio frequency sensors to monitor these strikes, which helps them estimate the height and density of ash clouds in real-time.The presence of water vapor also plays a crucial role in intensifying these displays. As the volcanic plume rises and cools, ice crystals form and collide with ash, further accelerating the buildup of static electricity. This process is remarkably similar to how standard meteorological thunderstorms form, though the source of the particles is geological rather than purely atmospheric.