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NatureSurprise 5/5Difficulty 4/5Reviewed on September 13, 2026

Volcanic eruptions can produce lightning, called dirty thunderstorms.

Why it is true

During eruptions, ash and rock fragments collide and generate electrical charges. The result is volcanic lightning, also called dirty thunderstorms. The phenomenon can be seen with the naked eye and has been photographed at several volcanoes.

Source: USGS

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