Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Volcanic Ash Revolutionizes Understanding of Cloud Formation

6/10/2025

37 5

Summary

Story summary

Volcanic ash is reshaping our understanding of cloud formation! Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory discovered that this ash acts as a catalyst for ice particles, creating delicate cirrus clouds. Their groundbreaking study, utilizing NASA satellite data, reveals that eruptions rich in ash produce fewer but larger ice crystals, overturning long-held beliefs about how clouds develop.

1 of 1

Story summary

Volcanic ash is reshaping our understanding of cloud formation! Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory discovered that this ash acts as a catalyst for ice particles, creating delicate cirrus clouds. Their groundbreaking study, utilizing NASA satellite data, reveals that eruptions rich in ash produce fewer but larger ice crystals, overturning long-held beliefs about how clouds develop.