Modeling the Charging of Volcanic Plumes and the Generation of Volcanic Lightning

Joshua Mendez, Ohio Supercomputer Center

Usage Details

In volcanic plumes, ash particles readily charge via triboelectric processes. Perhaps the most dramatic consequence of ash electrification are the brilliant displays of lighting that often accompany volcanic eruptions. The charging behavior of a plume is related to the physical, chemical, and dynamic properties of the granular material, implying that electromagnetic signals generated by plumes likely retain information about the opaque interior dynamics of the volcanic clouds themselves. In other words, the electrostatic nature of plumes can be used to remotely monitor eruptions. To interpret sensed field data, the research team has developed a high-resolution volcanic plume model that links the microphysical charging processes of ash to the evolution of electric fields and lightning generation.