Volcanic ash is once again a protagonist on the international scene. following the recent intense eruption in Indonesia. This phenomenon, although common within the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, has had consequences that go far beyond the volcanic environment itself, affecting aviation, health, and, according to new research, even the global climate.
The Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano, located on the island of Flores, caused a maximum alarm on June 17. by ejecting a colossal column of ash that reached an altitude of between 10 and 11 kilometers. The ash cloud, visible from more than 90 kilometers away, forced the suspension of at least twenty flights to and from Bali, affecting international and domestic airlines, including Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and AirAsia, among others. Indonesian authorities have activated the highest level of volcanic alert. and extended the exclusion zone to up to eight kilometers around the crater.
The real risk of volcanic ash for the population and aviation
The expulsion of volcanic ash poses a serious problem both for those living in areas close to the volcano and for flight operations.Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, which had already shown signs of constant eruptive activity in recent months, forced the evacuation of nearby communities and the exercise of extreme caution due to the risk of lahars, or lava flows, in the event of heavy rains. Authorities have recommended that the population maintain a safe distance of at least seven to eight kilometers from the crater.
The most recent episode coincides with a history of frequent eruptions, and it is not the first time the volcano has affected daily life and travel. Flight cancellations and delays in Bali already occurred in March., and last November, similar eruptions killed nine people and forced the evacuation of thousands of residents. The Fuego volcano in Guatemala has exhibited similar behavior in the past, showing the importance of constant vigilance.
The density and height of the ash cloud not only affect visibility and flight safety, but can also damage aircraft engines and systems.Therefore, flying below 6,000 meters in the vicinity of the volcano has been prohibited, and residents are advised to protect their respiratory tract by wearing masks in case of ashfall.
Volcanic ash: How does it affect the climate and the environment?
Beyond the local impact, recent studies have shown that volcanic ash can modify the formation of ice clouds in the upper atmosphere.These findings contribute to a better understanding of their role in regulating the planet's climate. Through NASA satellite observations, scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have verified that ash particles act as "seeds" for the nucleation of ice crystals in cirrus clouds.
Data collected over a decade show that after ash-rich eruptions, the frequency of ice-forming clouds increases at altitudes between 5 and 15 kilometers, although with fewer and larger crystals than usual. Find out why volcanoes erupt and how this influences the global climate, changing the traditional models that have been used until now.
This new understanding has immediate application in areas like Indonesia, where volcanic activity is constant due to the interaction of tectonic plates in the region. There are more than 400 volcanoes in the country (129 active and 65 considered dangerous), making Indonesians experts in volcanic risk management.
Eruptions and ash dispersal in other regions
The volcanic ash phenomenon is not exclusive to Southeast Asia.In Guatemala, the Santiaguito volcano has recently been active, with explosions generating ash columns up to 3.700 meters high and traveling up to 20 kilometers in all directions. This has caused ashfall in numerous communities, accompanied by avalanches and short-range pyroclastic flows.
Guatemalan authorities have emphasized the importance of following official recommendations, such as identifying evacuation routes and avoiding crossing river channels near the volcano due to the possibility of lahars descending during the rainy season. The risk, therefore, remains present in both tropical and mid-latitude regions.
The interaction between volcanic ash, rainfall and the geographical environment can create additional hazards. for those living near the volcano, demonstrating the need to maintain updated emergency protocols and constant monitoring of seismic and eruptive activity.
Recent volcanic episodes in Indonesia and Central America show that the Volcanic ash continues to play a crucial role in the lives and environment of millions of peopleFrom its impact on health and air travel to its influence on the global climate, volcanic ash remains a reminder of the planet's powerful internal dynamics and the importance of monitoring and preparing for these natural phenomena.
