Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology (12th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0134074254
ISBN 13: 978-0-13407-425-2

Chapter 4 - Section 4.4 - Naming Igneous Rocks - Eye on Earth 4.2 - Page 122: 1

Answer

The name given to rocks composed of tiny ash fragments is "volcanic ash." Volcanic ash consists of fine particles of fragmented volcanic glass, minerals, and rock fragments that are ejected into the air during explosive volcanic eruptions. These particles are typically less than 2 mm in diameter and are carried by volcanic plumes or dispersed by wind over large distances. Over time, volcanic ash can accumulate and compact, forming deposits of volcanic ash or volcanic ash beds. These deposits can later lithify to become rock layers known as "volcanic ash rocks" or simply "ash rocks."

Work Step by Step

The name given to rocks composed of tiny ash fragments is "volcanic ash." Volcanic ash consists of fine particles of fragmented volcanic glass, minerals, and rock fragments that are ejected into the air during explosive volcanic eruptions. These particles are typically less than 2 mm in diameter and are carried by volcanic plumes or dispersed by wind over large distances. Over time, volcanic ash can accumulate and compact, forming deposits of volcanic ash or volcanic ash beds. These deposits can later lithify to become rock layers known as "volcanic ash rocks" or simply "ash rocks."
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