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  1. Volcanic ash - Wikipedia

    • A scanning electron micrograph image of a particle of volcanic ash from Mount St. Helens Volcanic ash particles erupted during magmatic eruptions are made up of various fractions of vitric (glassy, non-crystalline), crystalline or lithic (non-magmatic) particles. Ash produced during low viscosity magmatic eruptions (e.g., Hawaiian and Strombolian basaltic eruptions) pr… See more

    Overview

    Volcanic ash consists of fragments of rock, mineral crystals, and volcanic glass, produced during volcanic eruptions and … See more

    Formation

    Volcanic ash is formed during explosive volcanic eruptions and phreatomagmatic eruptions, and may also be formed during transport in pyroclastic density currents.
    Explosive eruptions occur when magma decompres… See more

    Properties

    The types of minerals present in volcanic ash are dependent on the chemistry of the magma from which it erupted. Considering that the most abundant elements found in silicate magma are silicon and oxygen, the various typ… See more

    Dispersal

    Ash particles are incorporated into eruption columns as they are ejected from the vent at high velocity. The initial momentum from the eruption propels the column upwards. As air is drawn into the column, the bulk density dec… See more

    Impacts

    Population growth has caused the progressive encroachment of urban development into higher risk areas, closer to volcanic centres, increasing the human exposure to volcanic ash fall events.
    Direct healt… See more

    Preparedness, mitigation and management

    Preparedness for ashfalls should involve sealing buildings, protecting infrastructure and homes, and storing sufficient supplies of food and water to last until the ash fall is over and clean-up can begin. Dust masks can be wor… See more

    Volcanic ash soils

    Volcanic ash's primary use is that of a soil enricher. Once the minerals in ash are washed into the soil by rain or other natural processes, it mixes with the soil and forms an andisol layer. This layer is highly rich in nutrients a… See more