Volcanic ash affected by lightning during the Hunga 2022 eruption

This study estimates the amount of airborne volcanic ash that may be structurally or electromagnetically affected by volcanic lightning during the January 15, 2022, eruption of Hunga volcano (Kingdom of Tonga). Methods to calculate lightning channel sizes and volumes are provided, in addition to methods for calculating mass amounts of ash affected by both the high temperatures and the magnetic fields generated by lightning.  This study reveals that even though physical evidence of volcanic lightning may be limited, ash particles will still be affected by the electromagnetic fields produced by the lightning discharge. The extent of these effects will be a function of lightning properties, ash properties, and location of the ash in relation to the discharge channel. There are three datasets provided, and all are available for public use.