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What is a tephra?

VolcanoesVolcanic ash

Quick Answer

Tephra is the umbrella term for all volcanic fragments thrown into the air during an eruption, from ash to bombs.

The Full Story

Tephra includes tiny ash particles, lapilli, and larger blocks or bombs that are blasted out of a volcano. The material can fall back to the ground near the vent or be carried hundreds or thousands of kilometers by wind. Fine ash can disrupt aviation, damage machinery, and affect health. The size and distribution of tephra help scientists estimate how explosive an eruption was.

Key Facts

1.Tephra includes ash, lapilli, blocks, and bombs
2.Ash can be transported long distances by wind
3.Tephra deposits are used to reconstruct eruption history

YouTube Angle

Suggested video title for this topic:

"The explosive stuff volcanoes throw everywhere"