The Earth Story

Blue Dragon Lava The Craters of the Moon volcanic field in Idaho represents large outpourings of basaltic lava formed between 16000 and 2000 years ago. The full field covers an area the size of the state of Rhode Island; this is a tiny fragment of one of those lava flows, the Blue Dragon lava flow.

Nature's Fireworks

Lightning strikes through this volcano’s ash plume as the magma erupts through the mountain peak. Although this phenomenon is still widely misunderstood, many scientists believe that as tiny rock particles explode, separate, and collide with one another, they become electrically charged. The difference in the rocks’ aerodynamics causes a separation of charge between the particles. As the charge strengthens and the right conditions are met, a strike of lightning occurs, oftentimes miles long.

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--Pete D

Photo Credit: James C. Jervis http://bit.ly/12g9zZc

References: 1. http://news.discovery.com/earth/rocks-fossils/volcanic-lightning-how-does-it-work-130329.htm 2. http://geology.com/articles/volcanic-lightning/

This is slightly aggressive behavior on the part of a Yellowstone Bison. Apparently the damage totaled about $2700.  "Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there...in my office!"