Volcanic ash - Characteristics

Volcanic ash is the term for very fine rock and mineral particles less than 2 mm in diameter that are ejected from a volcanic vent. Ash is created when solid rock shatters and magma separates into minute particles during explosive volcanic activity. The usually violent nature of an eruption involving steam (phreatic eruption) results in the magma and perhaps solid rock surrounding the vent, being torn into particles of clay to sand size. The plume that is often seen above an erupting volcano is composed primarily of ash and ste ...

Including:

• Volcanic ash - Characteristics
• Volcanic ash - Dangers
• Volcanic ash - Ash and aviation
• Volcanic ash - Atmospheric effects

Read more here: » Volcanic ash: Encyclopedia - Volcanic ash

Volcanic ash is not poisonous, but inhaling it may cause problems for people whose respiratory system is already compromised by disorders such as asthma or emphysema. The abrasive texture can cause irritation and scratching of the surface of the eyes. People who wear contact lenses should wear glasses if they are experiencing an ash event. Furthermore, the combination of volcanic ash with the moisture in the lungs may create a substance akin to liquid cement. People should also take caution to filter the air they breathe with a damp cloth ...

See also:

Volcanic ash, Volcanic ash - Characteristics, Volcanic ash - Dangers, Volcanic ash - Ash and aviation, Volcanic ash - Atmospheric effects

Read more here: » Volcanic ash: Encyclopedia II - Volcanic ash - Dangers

Volcanic ash jams machinery. This poses a great danger to aircraft flying near ash clouds. There are many instances of damage to jet aircraft as a result of an ash encounter. Engines may quit, and fuel and water systems may become fouled, requiring repair. After the Galunggung, Indonesia volcanic event in 1982, a British Airways Boeing 747 flew through an ash cloud that fouled all 4 engines, stopping them. The plane descended from 36,000 feet to only 12,000 feet bef ...

See also:

Volcanic ash, Volcanic ash - Characteristics, Volcanic ash - Dangers, Volcanic ash - Ash and aviation, Volcanic ash - Atmospheric effects

Read more here: » Volcanic ash: Encyclopedia II - Volcanic ash - Ash and aviation