Eruption columns

Eruption columns are tall, cloud-like formations of ash, gas, and volcanic material that rise from a volcano during an eruption. They expand rapidly into the atmosphere, shaped by the force of the eruption and wind conditions. These columns can reach several kilometers high, sometimes disguising the volcano’s summit and spreading ash over large areas. Their appearance indicates the intensity of an eruption, with larger, more vigorous columns signaling powerful volcanic activity. Eruption columns are important for understanding eruption dynamics and assessing potential hazards like ash fall and ash clouds that can affect aircraft and communities.