Few sights in nature can compare to the sheer magnificence of a volcano erupting in full flow.

But while scenes of molten lava are relatively commonplace, this otherworldly picture of Chaiten Volcano in southern Chile shows a truly spectacular, and devastating, volcanic phenomenon.

As clouds of toxic ash and dust tower into the sky, they ionise the air, generating an explosive electrical storm. Colossal forks of lightning spark around the noxious plume as it spews from the volcano's crater, creating an image of raw, terrifying energy - as if the air itself were ablaze.

Now, the worst-case scenario is the collapse of the volcano accompanied by a "pyroclastic flow" - a devastating super-eruption of scorching dense gas and molten rock that would roll down the mountainside at 100mph or faster, incinerating and flattening all in its wake.

Thankfully, experts think this is unlikely at this stage.



Daily Mail More pics here too.

Wow man, this kinda puts things into perspective eh? Just as beautiful and horrendous as those A-Bomb pics.

Amazing pics! Thanks for posting this Algis. I never knew that happend...one of my thoughts is "move over dinosaur". This is a totally awesome phenomenon hey!

Awesome photos, I've never seen it quite like that before.

These are amazing photos! The awesomeness of nature.

Hmm, my pic is 'The Thing' witout his choppers and a bad Trump hairdo and Graham's pic is 'Braniac' on steroids or Balrog's cousin, where's Gandalf when one needs him?! Just look at them pics long enough.

I think I'd better hit the sack.

BTW, I think I have a new desktop with the pic that Graham posted.