Sunday, October 30, 2011

RE: [Geology2] Lightning detection could confirm volcano eruptions



Would it be wrong to say “Well DUH bozo” here?  I’ve used simple AM radios (tuned where there is no station) to listen to lightning events for decades.  Loud is close(r) and weak is far away.  When it gets REAL close, break out the camera or take cover as appropriate (love watching it, but I fully respect its power).

 

Using that concept for volcano eruption confirmation might be a worthwhile extension of this IF every volcano has lightning (doubtful).  Using multiple radio sites and time synch locked receivers (use a GPS time base, cheaply done) it shouldn’t be difficult to pinpoint a general area of each flash.  That’s pretty much how lightning is tracked for the weather folks now so most of the system is already in place. 

 

The ‘signal’ travels fast (300km/sec) but it is slow enough to determine location based on receiver timing and even phase angle (it takes time to get there).  With an appropriate receiver system, it is reduced to a geometrical exercise to locate the source (much how a GPS works, if you understand that).

 

Lightning with no associated storm (happens but isn’t common) would indicate a potential volcano eruption, if one is know to exist in that area.  Psshhh, easy, so yah, I’d say DUH is appropriate here.  At least it’d be one more tool for the box.

 

Rick

 


From:  Lin Kerns

Lightning detection could confirm volcano eruptions
CLEVELAND: Sensors would alert pilots around the world.

 



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