GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Magma commonly explodes as the gas dissolved in it comes out of solution as the pressure decreases when it flows to the surface. These violent explosions produce particles of material that can then fly from the volcano. Solid particles smaller than 2 mm in diameter (sand-sized or smaller) are called volcanic ash.

Detailed explanation-2: -Volcanic Ash is any very fine grained material erupted from a volcano that is less than 1/10 of an inch (2 millimeters) in diameter. This is very fine material and was given the name ash because it resembles ashes from the burning of wood or coal.

Detailed explanation-3: -Volcanologists use the word ‘tephra’ as general term for volcanic rock fragments irrespective of grain size produced during an explosive eruption. Volcanic ash is fine tephra, and terms such as lapilli, blocks, and bombs are used to categorize larger fragments.

Detailed explanation-4: -Cinder cones are the smallest, and almost too small to see next to a volcano like Mauna Loa.

Detailed explanation-5: -In the air, magma cools and solidifies into volcanic rock and glass fragments. Eruptions can also shatter the solid rock of the magma chamber and volcanic mountain itself. These rock fragments can mix with the solidified lava fragments in the air and create an ash cloud.