Effects of Lightning on the Magnetic Properties of Volcanic Ash

High-current impulse experiments were performed on volcanic ash samples to determine the magnetic effects that may result from the occurrence of volcanic lightning during explosive eruptions. Pseudo-ash was manufactured through milling and sieving of eruptive deposits with different bulk compositions and mineral contents. By comparing pre- and post-experimental samples, it was found that the saturation (i.e., maximum possible) magnetization increased, and coercivity (i.e., ability to withstand demagnetization) decreased. The increase in saturation magnetization was greater for compositionally evolved samples compared to more primitive samples subjected to equivalent currents. Changes in remanent (i.e., residual) magnetization do not correlate with composition, and show wide variability. Variations in magnetic properties were generally more significant when samples were subjected to higher peak currents as higher currents affect a greater proportion of the subjected sample. The electrons introduced by the current impulse cause reduction and devolatilization of the ash grains, changing their structural, mineralogical, and magnetic properties.