Book 5, Question 57
Friend and Foe! Why Is Volcanic Ash Dangerous and Useful?
Volcanic ash is made of tiny, sharp bits of rock and glass, so it can be hard to breathe in and can damage machines. Over time, though, ash breaks down and adds minerals to soil that plants can use. That is why some farms near volcanoes grow well.
From the book
Page from A Million Whys Book 5
More fun facts
- Volcanic ash is made of tiny, jagged bits of rock and natural glass, smaller than 2 millimeters.
- Ash is the most widespread and frequent volcanic danger.
- An ash cloud can be as dangerous as a sky full of razor blades.
- Jet engines are hot enough to melt the glassy ash, which can clog the engine.
- Ash can stall car engines by clogging air filters.
- The finest ash can be carried by wind very far, falling on towns and farmland.
Sources: U.S. Geological Survey, NOAA, U.S. Geological Survey
Questions kids ask
Why do planes avoid volcanic ash?
Ash can scratch the plane and melt inside hot jet engines, clogging them.