|Banner graphic -- Volcanic ash: what it can do and how to prevent damage | Partners
      USGS Volcano Hazards Program Site
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      a category above for effects of ash and how to reduce its impacts



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?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, & communitiesTaking 
              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 ManagerReferences 
                and Web LinksReferences 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 brochuresTwo ash fall hazards pamplets published by the International 
                Volcanic Health Hazard Network (IVHHN) are available on the IVHHN 
                Pamphlets webpage.Volcanic 
                gases and aerosolsInformation 
                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.


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  Survey and GNS Science



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