Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

What Is Volcanic Ash, Anyway?

That's not smoke billowing skyward from many an erupting volcano, it's volcanic ash – and it's not like the ash in your fireplace. Learn how it forms, why scientists call it "frozen hot magma," and why it is hazardous to airplane engines. Dr. Elizabeth Cottrell explains volcanic ash and shows some from the Smithsonian's collection.

Smithsonian Institution video.

Resource Type
Videos and Webcasts
Grade Level
6-8
Topics
Earth Science