Volcanic lightning photos are some of the most impressive out there, in my opinion. Volcanic lightning is a striking and rare phenomenon that occurs during some volcanic eruptions.

As ash, rock and gas shoot into the sky, tiny particles collide and create static electricity. When enough charge builds up, it discharges as bolts of lightning within or above the ash cloud, which can sometimes look just like a thunderstorm, but far more dramatic and chaotic.

This type of lightning, also called a "dirty thunderstorm," usually forms in pyroclastic plumes, where volcanic ash and hot gases are violently rising and interacting. The intense turbulence and particle collisions generate the electric charges needed for lightning to strike.

Weather in your inbox

Forecast Location

Sign Up

By signing up you agree to the Terms & Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe at any time.

Volcanic lightning can occur during both explosive eruptions and smaller ash emissions, and it often dazzles observers while also signaling the extreme power of the eruption.

While beautiful, volcanic lightning is also a reminder of the dangers of volcanic activity. The combination of molten rock, toxic gases and electrified ash makes eruptions hazardous for anyone nearby. Scientists study volcanic lightning not just because it’s spectacular, but also because it can provide clues about eruption intensity, plume height and the movement of volcanic particles.

Jennifer Gray is a weather and climate writer for weather.com. She has been covering some of the world's biggest weather and climate stories for the last two decades.