A volcanic eruption is a powerful natural event that can lead to extensive disruption and damage. Explosive eruptions produce micron sized fragments of volcanic rock termed “ash” which get released high into the atmosphere and can have far-reaching impacts on both local communities and global networks.
To minimize the risks of volcanic eruptions, computer models are now used to anticipate the movement of volcanic ash. Accurate, detailed information about particle size and shape means volcanologists can accurately predict how fast and how far away volcanic ash will fall.
Malvern Panalytical’s Mastersizer 3000+ and Hydro Insight are a powerful combination used to measure particle size and shape. For researchers, our goal is to supply the tools that will help them to predict where volcanic ash will travel during eruptions, to help them mitigate the risks to humans and infrastructure.