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Monday, November 23, 2009

Photo: Volcanoes Spawn Mini-Cyclones, Then Lightning "Sheaths"


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A waterspout forms offshore from an erupting Kilauea volcano vent in Kilauea, Hawaii.

A March 2009 study revealed a newfound link between two of nature's most violent phenomena that could explain how volcanic ash clouds can generate lightning and tornado-like dust devils and waterspouts.

Photograph by Steve and Donna O'Meara