Researchers Poised for Volcanic Lightning
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February 12, 2009
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Download video directlyWhen a volcano erupts, lightning can also occur around the mouth and within the ash plume of the eruption. As it develops, lightning gives off radio bursts of noise, penetrating the ash and clouds that block normal light. By detecting and mapping these bursts in 3-D, researchers can capture lightning flash location, path, and speed. Watch this videocast to learn about how monitoring an upcoming eruption in Alaska may provide new tools for air safety and indicate an eruption's intensity.
