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Nama : Suasti Ayu Triwijiastuti

NIM : 13303244014

Prodi : Pendidikan Kimia D

What Is the Volcanic Ash?

Volcanic ash is formed during the eruption of the volcano. The eruption occurs when

gases which is dissolved in rocks, enlarge the pressure and climbs up so that the gases mixed

with the air. In addition, when the water that is in the belly of the mountain is heated to high

temperatures, it will result in the large pressure and it can crush the a solid rocks gas which is

mixed with air, then freezing and forming the volcanic rocks and glass. If its blown by the wind,

this particles will move away to thousands kilometers.

The pieces of volcanic rocks and glass have a very small size. The volcanic ash is

different with the ash produced in the combustion process of wood or paper, cause the volcanic

ash is insoluble in water and the shape is rough. In addition, the volcanic ash can cause the

materials made of iron become corrosion and it can conduct electricity in wet conditions.

The size of granule of volcanic ash which come from a volcanic eruption is so various

kinds. The stone which come from the volcanic eruption will fall to the ground with the distanceis close to the source of the eruption. But, the small particles will be blown by the wind because

the size which is very small and light in weight. The size of that particles is about 2mm or 0,001

millimeters ( 1/25,000 inch ) or even smaller and it will be carried by the wind to a distance of

several kilometers from the source of eruption. The smaller the particle, the further the wind will

carry it.

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The Dangers of Volcanic Ash

Volcanic ash which contains the granules of glass and has a corrosive nature which can

damage the environmental conditions such as the trees become dry and can damage the

materials made of iron because it can make iron rusts. When the volcanic ash become thicker and

the amount of numerous, it will interfere the distance of view for vehicles. Because of the ash is

insoluble in water, if the ash fall into the river, this ash will precipitate and the river will be

contaminated so that it is dangerous for human life.

The volcanic ash that is very small and consists of stratum of glass also dangerous for

health. It can interfere respiration because the air inhaled by human will precipitate in the lungs.

It can cause ARI ( Upper Respiratory Tract Infection ). In addition the volcanic ash can harm the

eyes and damage the eyesight. The volcanic ash also can cause skin allergy. To avoid the danger,

people have to wear mask, glasses, and long sleeve shirt to protect the body from the volcanic

ash when theyre going out of the home.

Although, the volcanic ash is dangerous, but there are advantages of it such as it can

make the soil around the montain be fertile.

Source :http://kimling4.blogspot.com/2010/11/terbentuknya-abu-vulkanik.html

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