Lightning bolts flash from the volcanic spume as Chile's Chaiten volcano erupts
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Scientist have known about the rare ‘dirty thunderstorms’ which
accompany volcanic eruptions, however their exact cause remains a mystery.
It is believed that ash, rock and ice particles rub against each other during the fury of the eruption to generate electricity, hence lightning.
Studies have determined the May 3rd eruption was the first time Chaitén had blown it’s top in the past 9,000 years.
The eruption forced more than 4,000 residents who lived near the mountain to flee amidst a deluge of ash which has blanketed the area.
