A REAL MEAN CLOUD!

Written By: Scott Hetsko

You've probably heard of a cumulus cloud but I bet you have never come across a PYROCUMULUS cloud! A pyrocumulus cloud is produced by the intense heating of the air from the surface. The intense heat induces convection which causes the air mass to rise to a point of stability, usually in the presence of moisture. Phenomena such as volcanic eruptions eruptions, forest fires, and occasionally industrial activities can form this type of cloud.

You may have seen recent video of lightning from the eruption in Iceland. Lightning is fairly common in volcano pryo clouds but the exact reason is not fully known. We know there is charge separation occurring with the strong turbulence within the cloud.