The explosive eruption of the volcano continues.
A fresh magma-driven vulcanian-sized explosion took place from the crater late afternoon yesterday. The eruption produced incandescent lapilli and lava bombs that were being thrown several dozens of meters above the vent. A black, abundant ash column rose up to 14,000 ft (4,300 meters) and drifted east. In addition, the event was accompanied by a volcanic lightning. Volcanic lightning can be created in different scenarios during explosive volcanic eruptions, and are often called “dirty thunderstorms.” These “dirty thunderstorms” are a dramatic form of static electricity release.
In regular thunderstorms, lightning happens when ice is present inside clouds and becomes electrified during collisions in vertical updrafts. Without ice, there is no lightning.
In the case of volcanic lightning, however, lightning occurs when oppositely charged particles such as fragmented pieces of lava or ash grains collide with one another. Lightning happens more often closer to the vent.
Magma is being stored in magma chamber within the Aira caldera where continues to accumulate in the long-term period.
The warning bulletin states that ballistic impacts of volcanic bombs and pyroclastic flows could affect an area of about 2 km distance from the main crater.
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency volcano activity update 14 February 2024
Wowww! Just INCREDIBLE!! Close up of Sakurajima’s explosive eruption a couple of hours ago. I can’t stop watching it!Volcanic lightning too Speed X2 Link to livestream pic.twitter.com/ic78NgY8oO
— Volcaholic (@volcaholic1) February 14, 2024
