Volcanic ash
Volcanic Ash
Volcanic ash (pronunciation: vɒlˈkeɪnɪk æʃ) is a term used to describe the fine particles of rock and mineral matter that are ejected into the atmosphere during a volcanic eruption.
Etymology
The term "volcanic ash" is derived from the Latin word "volcanus" which means "volcano", and the Old English word "æsc" which means "ash".
Description
Volcanic ash consists of tiny fragments of rock, mineral, and volcanic glass. These particles are less than 2 millimeters in diameter and are often so fine that they can be carried by the wind for hundreds or even thousands of kilometers.
Formation
Volcanic ash is formed during explosive volcanic eruptions. When the pressure of the magma in the volcano becomes too great, it can cause the rock and other materials in the volcano to shatter into tiny pieces. These pieces are then ejected into the air, where they can be carried by the wind and fall as ash.
Effects
Volcanic ash can have a number of effects on the environment and human health. It can cause damage to buildings and infrastructure, disrupt air travel, and contaminate water supplies. Inhaling volcanic ash can also cause respiratory problems and other health issues.
Related Terms
- Pyroclastic flow: A fast-moving current of hot gas and volcanic matter that moves away from a volcano during an eruption.
- Lahar: A type of mudflow or debris flow composed of a slurry of pyroclastic material, rocky debris, and water.
- Tephra: Material produced by a volcanic eruption regardless of composition, fragment size, or emplacement mechanism.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Volcanic ash
- Wikipedia's article - Volcanic ash
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski