Ash Vortices On Mt. Kīlauea. Fascinating Puahiohio’ Explained
Ash vortices, also known as "volnadoes" or "volcanic landspout tornadoes," have been observed forming above lava flows at Mt. Kīlauea in Hawaii. These phenomena are similar to dust devils, driven by intense heat from the lava causing warm air to rise and rotate. The rotation intensifies due to the conservation of angular momentum, allowing the vortices to pick up ash and debris, making them visible. Unlike traditional tornadoes that form downward from thunderstorms, ash vortices form upward from ground-level heat gradients. AI
