Volcanic Ash, What it can do and how to minimize damage

What is Volcanic Ash?

Volcanic ash consists of tiny jagged pieces of rock and glass. Ash is hard, abrasive, mildly corrosive, conducts electricity when wet, and does not dissolve in water. Ash is spread over broad areas by wind.

| Ash properties & ash distribution |

What is it like during an ash fall?

Ash begins falling on the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, Soufriere Hills volcano

Falling ash can turn daylight into complete darkness. Accompanied by rain and lightning, the gritty ash can lead to power outages, prevent communications, and disorient people.

| Images & descriptions of ash fall |

Guidance for homes, businesses, & communities

Ash clean up in Anchorage, Alaska, after eruption of Mount Spurr in 1992

Taking action before, during, and after an ash fall can prevent or reduce many of the damaging effects of ash. Removing ash requires disposal sites and coordination among individuals and households, community organizations, and businesses.

| Actions to take | Ash clean-up |

Managing ash fall in Yakima, Washington, from the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens: Overview by Dick Zais, City Manager

References and Web Links

References used for this Web site
International Volcanic Health Hazard Network (IVHHN)
Weekly Volcanic Activity Reports (world wide preliminary summaries)
Volcanoes of the World (Global Volcanism Program)
Volcanic ashfall - how to be prepared (1 page) | English | Spanish |
Recommended dust masks for volcanic ash, from INHHN

Volcanic ash brochures

Two ash fall hazards pamplets published by the International Volcanic Health Hazard Network (IVHHN) are available on the IVHHN Pamphlets webpage.

Volcanic gases and aerosols

Information relating to the health hazards of gases and aerosols typically emitted during volcanic activity are also available from the International Volcanic Health Hazard Network (IVHHN).See introduction to volcanic gases and guidelines based on international urban and industrial pollution studies.

Partners

USGS Volcano Hazards Program Site