at 12:12 PM by Mallory Schnell

Volcano Tornado Forms in Iceland

A recent video shows a “volcano tornado” forming over the lava fields in Iceland. The Bardarbunga volcano has been erupting for almost three weeks now, and scientists have been monitoring the existence of ash and debris in the air through a high-tech, infrared camera. This same camera picked up footage of a lava twister kicking up debris at the surface in Holuhraun.

This “volcano tornado” is not from a sci-fi movie; rather, its origins are similar to a dust devil’s. A dust devil is different from a tornado in that it forms from the surface up. Rising air causes low pressure at the surface, and the column of air may begin to rotate and stretch as it rises. These “firenados” aren’t entirely uncommon, as they have the ability to form over very hot wildfires.

For a more extensive look into the “volcano tornado” in Iceland, be sure to read The Capital Weather Gang’s most recent article on the phenomenon.