Astronomy Picture of the Day -- Ash and Lightning Above an Icelandic Volcano

NASA ^ | July 30, 2012 | (see photo credit)

[SunkenCiv]

Explanation: Why did the picturesque 2010 volcanic eruption in Iceland create so much ash? Although the large ash plume was not unparalleled in its abundance, its location was particularly noticeable because it drifted across such well-populated areas. The Eyjafjallajökull volcano in southern Iceland began erupting on 2010 March 20, with a second eruption starting under the center of a small glacier on 2010 April 14. Neither eruption was unusually powerful. The second eruption, however, melted a large amount of glacial ice which then cooled and fragmented lava into gritty glass particles that were carried up with the rising volcanic plume. Pictured above during the second eruption, lightning bolts illuminate ash pouring out of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano.

[SunkenCiv]

[Credit & Copyright: Sigurdur Stefnisson]

[Young Werther]

Outstanding Proof of Global Warming!!!

[SunkenCiv]

Listen the jingle, the rumble, and the roar. :')

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[SunkenCiv]

Wow, what a picture!

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[brivette]

looks like hell, as it were.

[editor-surveyor]

Glad I’m not there!

[onyx]

WOW!
Incredible in the large size!

[SunkenCiv]

:’)

[bigheadfred]

Fire and ice.

Some other good photos at the photo link. Thanks.

[SunkenCiv]

The truth is, I was afraid to click the link to see the full-size image. :’o

[colorado tanker]

Spectacular!

[BRL]

... and when they clanged together

it made stormy weather

And lightning shot out of its ash

[TheOldLady]

That's a lot of power and energy, and it would be wonderful to harness it.

But the law of unintended consequences may apply there. Volcanic eruptions probably serve some life-sustaining purpose for us, like replenishing the plant food (CO₂) in the atmosphere.

[bigheadfred]

I know what you mean. The closer I looked...

[SunkenCiv]

I didn’t think of it before I saw your reply, but this would make a pretty good zot graphic. :’)

[TheOldLady]

Like this?

[COBOL2Java]

If you see that outside your living room window, it’s time to move.

[JoeProBono]

[onyx]

It’s stunningly beautiful!