TEPHRA Meaning and
Definition
-
Tephra is a noun that refers to fragmented material produced by volcanic eruptions that is ejected into the atmosphere or dropped to the ground. This term is commonly used in the field of volcanology, which deals with the study of volcanoes and volcanic activity.
Tephra consists of a range of volcanic materials, including volcanic ash, lapilli, and blocks or bombs. The size of tephra particles can vary greatly, from microscopic ash particles that can be carried by wind to larger lapilli that are often the size of pebbles or gravel. Blocks or bombs are much larger fragments that are typically solidified lava.
When a volcano erupts, it releases a mixture of gases, lava, and tephra into the air. The tephra particles can be spread across vast distances, following wind patterns, creating ash clouds that can pose hazards to air traffic and human health. The deposition of tephra on the ground contributes to the formation or growth of volcanic landforms such as cones or calderas.
The study of tephra and its characteristics, such as grain size and composition, can provide valuable insights into past volcanic eruptions. Scientists analyze tephra layers found in sedimentary deposits or ice cores to reconstruct the history of volcanic activity. Tephrochronology, a technique using tephra layers as time markers, helps date and correlate different geological events, making it an important tool in geochronology and stratigraphy.
Etymology of TEPHRA
The word "tephra" comes from the Greek word "tephros", which translates to "ashen" or "gray". This term was used to describe volcanic ash or any fragmented material that is ejected during volcanic eruptions. The word later became incorporated into English as "tephra" to refer to various pyroclastic materials discharged by volcanoes.
