More Redoubt
Posted by Hig on 28 Mar 2009 | Tagged as: events, home, timelapse, video
Redoubt Eruption March 27 2009 from Bretwood Higman on Vimeo. The photos for this timelapse are 15 seconds apart. The large eruption in the middle of the timelapse happened at about 7:25.
This afternoon it our view toward Redoubt cleared. We still couldn’t see the mountain, but we could see the sky just above it, where a small plume was clearly visible. So I set up the camera under the yurt, and aimed it at the volcano. Since then there have been a number of small explosions, one in the light just before sunset, and several in the dark. Some of the night eruptions were girdled in lightning, making them visible to the camera.
The volcano is providing a great photo op, but will probably interfere with travel… including Erin’s dad, stepmom, and brother who are hoping to fly into Anchorage today. Not looking so good for that.
All the following photos are cropped the same, and are 30 second exposures. They show two explosions, one that happened at 11:20 pm, another at 1:20 am. The explosions that followed the 1:20 eruption haven’t been visible… maybe there’s ash between us and the volcano now?
I might have some more interesting things to say after I’ve slept… 4:00 am is past even my bedtime!
Lightning in the ash cloud from the 11:20 pm March 27 eruption at 11:26 pm (photo 396 on the timeline figure at the bottom of this post)
Lightning in the ash cloud from the 11:20 pm March 27 eruption at 11:28 pm (photo 397)
Lightning in the ash cloud from the 11:20 pm March 27 eruption at 11:32 pm (photo 399)
Lightning in the ash cloud from the 11:20 pm March 27 eruption at 12:18 am (photo 407)
Lightning in the ash cloud from the 1:20 am March 28 eruption at 1:24 am (photo 455)
Lightning in the ash cloud from the 1:20 am March 28 eruption at 1:26 am (photo 456)
Lightning in the ash cloud from the 1:20 am March 28 eruption at 1:28 am (photo 457)
Lightning in the ash cloud from the 1:20 am March 28 eruption at 1:30 am (photo 458)
what’s the explanation for the lightning at this time of year?
The lightning is actually because of the explosion. The ash particles are apparently better at generating the static electricity that leads to lightning than water droplets. Also, the initial eruption is very fast-moving, so it generates very high shear, presumably also increasing the accumulation of static charge.
Amazing photos! What a cool thing to witness.
GREAT photos = thanks for staying up and taking them, especially for those who have a hard staying up to 4 AM:-))
Fantastic! Thanks so much! Being from Arkansas and stuck in Alaska for the time being, it’s awesome to see these shots.
I think friction generates static electricity. When the charge builds up high enough, it discharges across the air like a capacitor. Ash clouds have more friction than rain clouds.
These shots are great and really amazing to see. As a Alaskan stuck in the Lower 48, my camera and I feel like we’re missing out. Thanks for sharing these.
Yet another insight from Ground Truth Trekking. You all are amazing… I hope visitors check out the rest of your website as well. Thank you!
Great shots! Tornados also generate lightning but I’ve never seen the night time pics like you got-really spooky and awe inspiring. Your time lapse was also amazing-better than watching it on NWS radar.
Awesome photos! I saw them on KING 5 last night in their coverage of the eruption.
Bret – Great photos!! I just saw them on Towleroad.com. Thanks for sharing!!!
This is great pictures. I live on South COHOE
Kasilof. I am on the bluff. I have not been able to take any good pictures. To many clouds.
We did get ash. I did see what you took pictures of only I could just see lights like lighting.
Have a good day
Cynthia
MagnÃficas fotos. I spent a lot of time translating your trip on the blog into Spanish because some friends of mine, here in Madrid (Spain), were very interested in your adventures, but my vocabulary in english is not good enoguht to describe the good vibrations you provoque in this young people.
Thanks for sharing your emotions, particulary with the big bear you filmed (while trembling).
Have the best all you three.
Antonio
wow those are absolutely epic photos. what kind of camera do you use?
thanks for posting them – hope all’s well in alaska!
Really thinK your whole article is great,would like to find an update on Redoubt if you are still doing new blogs.
Hope your baby is doing well you are are brave couple to live in a yurt.Great going!
Ah, so that’s how it happens! Nice photos. This reminds me of photos from the Chaiten volcano in Chile which had a similar eruption last year:
http://universoulproductions.wordpress.com/2008/05/15/amazing-photos-from-chaiten-chile/
Keep it coming with the Redoubt footage! I have enjoyed your videos on Vimeo, and especially liked the stills of Redoubt volcano lightning.
I can’t wait to see what today’s big explosion looks like. we haven’t seen or heard the last of Redoubt. Lahars away!
now I’ll be tuned..