Each year from the estimated 1,500 active volcanoes dotted around the world around 50 of them erupt and 2015 was certainly no exception with volcanoes in Chile, Italy, the Galapagos Islands and Indonesia all erupting - just to name a few. Luckily for us photographers were there ready to capture the dramatic and often explosive action as it unfolds, resulting in some truly awe-inspiring photos.
The volcanic lighting or 'dirty thunderstorm' you see in the photos of both Mount Etna, Italy and Calbuco, Chile erupting is actually a naturally occurring phenomenon caused by electrical charges. To see more of this amazing spectacle then click here.
1. Volcanic lightning forming above Italy's Mount Etnas on December 3, 2015.
