Eyjafjallajokull Volcano's Ash Cloud Explained

The eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980. CREDIT: Austin Post, USGS

The eruption of Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull volcano during April 2010 has been remarkable for the effects of its ash cloud. The ash cloud created phenomenal lightning displays, colored sunsets red across much of Europe, and forced flight cancellations for several days. Here's what's going on:

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