The BBC recently released a jaw-dropping video of a super-charged volcanic ash cloud being sparked by lightning. The incredible scene was captured in Chile’s Patagonia region.

According to the BBC the phenomenon is known as a ‘dirty thunderstorm‘. The article explains:

In a normal thunderstorm ice crystals collide and generate electric charges, which results in lightning. In an eruption cloud ash particles collide instead of ice crystals. [source]

 

Visit BBC to learn more about the secrets of Patagonia’s rare and violent volcanoes.