Observations Show Charge Density of Volcanic Plumes is Higher Than Thunderstorms.

We analyze slow electric field change and lightning mapping measurements to provide insight into the characteristics of volcanic lightning and the associated implications on charging processes and the charge structure of a Vulcanian eruption plume. Data were obtained during a multi‐instrumental field campaign at Sakurajima volcano in 2015 when the Showa crater was active. We combine the electric field change and lightning mapping data from one explosive eruption on June 6, 2015 to identify individual flashes. From this, we interpret the flash type and polarity. In addition, the long‐time constant of the electric field change instrument allowed measurement of the quasi‐static field associated with charge separation in the eruption plume. We find that both intracloud and cloud‐to‐ground discharges occurred, and the polarity of cloud‐to‐ground discharges were all negative. The quasi‐static field measurement showed the plume carried a net negative charge. We calculate both the total charge transferred by cloud‐to‐ground discharges and the net charge density of the eruption plume. We find that cloud‐to‐ground discharges transfer an average of −0.41C per flash and the net charge density was −33C/km3. The percent error is at least 200%, due to uncertainty in the antenna gain. We show that these estimates are consistent with lightning that is 100 m in length. Further, the average flash rate during the first 8 s following the onset of eruption was five flashes per second. After that time, the flash rate abruptly decreased, which may be related to the end of gas‐thrust forcing. Key Points: Vulcanian eruption plumes have a charge density of up to two orders of magnitude greater than thunderstormsThe abrupt decrease in flash rates several seconds after the onset of the explosion may be linked to the cessation of gas‐thrust forcingThe polarity of cloud‐to‐ground flashes were negative, but evidence exists that other explosive events produce positive polarity CGs [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]