COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH: Measuring Volcanic Ash Properties That Promote the Generation of Lightning in Eruptive Columns and Plumes

火山闪电是一种常见但研究不足的现象，其参数化很差。这个项目的重点是更多地了解火山灰颗粒的特性，以及它们在火山羽流和火山闪电中产生电场的作用。火山灰除了是一种电荷载体外，还可能影响闪电的产生，因为它在冰核中的潜在作用以及作为极化的导电粒子。一系列材料实验室测试和表征技术将用于从几个阿拉斯加火山获得的样品，以确定不同矿物和结构结合水含量的灰烬样品是否会影响导电/绝缘灰烬材料的功能，以及它们的冰核亲和力。火山（硅玻璃）球粒的产生也将作为火山闪电事件期间特定灰粒纹理产生的指示。拟议研究的更广泛影响包括对本科生的培训，教学材料的创建以及对早期职业研究人员的支持。对航空、通信和发电行业的火山灾害的进一步了解是额外的潜在社会影响

Volcanic lightning is a common but understudied phenomenon that is poorly parameterized. This project focuses on learning more about the properties of ash particles relating to their role in the generation of electrical fields in volcanic plumes and in volcanic lightning. In addition to being a charge carrier, volcanic ash may also influence the production of lightning due to its potential role in ice nucleation and as polarized, conducting particles. A range of material laboratory testing and characterization techniques will be used on samples obtained from several Alaskan volcanoes to determine if ash samples of different mineral and structurally bound water content will affect the functionality of conducting/insulating ash materials, and their ice nucleation affinity. Generation of volcanic (silicic glass) spherules as an indicator of the production of specific ash grain textures during volcanic lightning episodes will also be sought for. The broader impacts of the proposed research include the training of undergraduate students, creation of teaching materials, and the support of an early career researcher. Improved understanding of volcanic hazards for the aviation, communication, and power generation industries are additional potential societal impacts