4/08/2016 -- Intense Volcanic Lightning in South Japan at Sakurajima Volcano

April 8, 2016 A large blast occurred in the early evening hours at Sakurajima Volcano in South Japan. The volcanic eruption produced plumes of ash reaching multiple kilometers into the sky. The ascending ash produced impressive displays of static discharge lightning. The lightning is produced by friction between the hot billowing clouds of ash, and the colder moist air surrounding the volcano which resides near the ocean in South Japan. Credit to the JMA for these videos. Watch the volcano on live stream here: ______