Nature:
People have known since ancient times that volcanic eruptions
are often accompanied by lightning. Over the past several years
two groups have used different types of sensors to measure the
radiation from lightning discharges in order to determine
volcanic activity. A team from the New Mexico Institute of
Mining and Technology in Socorro and the University of Alaska
Fairbanks used very high frequency antennas located on Alaska's
Mount Redoubt to record the radiation from lightning discharges
when the volcano erupted in 2009. Another method is employed by
the UK Meteorological Office, which uses very low frequency
radio waves to detect lightning from eruptions more than 10 000
kilometers away. Combining the two methods could help
forecasters provide early warning of volcanic eruptions and any
ensuing dangerous ash clouds, which can disrupt air travel and
cause other problems.
