tulivuorenpurkauspölyä

Tulivuorenpurkauspölyä, often referred to as volcanic ash, is a mixture of pulverized rock, minerals, and volcanic glass expelled from a volcano during an eruption. These fine particles, typically less than 2 millimeters in diameter, can be carried long distances by wind currents. The composition of volcanic ash varies depending on the type of magma and the eruption style.

When volcanic ash enters the atmosphere, it can pose significant risks. For aviation, ash clouds can damage jet engines, leading to engine failure, and obscure visibility. In populated areas, ashfall can contaminate water supplies, damage crops and livestock, and cause respiratory problems in humans and animals due to its abrasive nature. Prolonged exposure to ash can also lead to health issues.

Volcanic ash plays a role in climate. Large ash eruptions can inject aerosols into the stratosphere, which can reflect solar radiation and cause temporary global cooling. Over geological timescales, volcanic ash layers have also contributed to soil formation, providing fertile ground in some regions. Studying volcanic ash provides valuable insights into past volcanic activity and eruption dynamics.