Unprecedented volcanic eruption causes intense lightning storm and surprises scientists.
A powerful volcanic eruption that occurred on January 15, 2022, has led to never-before-seen events, including lightning intensity and the formation of donut-shaped rings of lightning that surfed along the crests of circular ripples. The eruption was captured by NASA satellites, and a team of researchers led by the United States Geological Survey utilized advanced sensors to map the eruption. This type of volcanic event, known as a phreatoplinian, occurs only when magma erupts through the water.