Students evaluate the impact of volcanic ash on the surroundin environment. Through discussion, videos and activities, they identify the various ways in which volcanic ash can be more detrimental than volcanic magma and lava.

Discusses work done by scientists looking at the potential health risks from the April 2011 volcanic eruptions in Iceland, which sent clouds of ash across Europe. [May 8, 2011]

Explains the dangers of volcanic ash plumes to airplanes, such as the eruption in 2010 of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano in Iceland which greatly disrupted air traffic in neighbouring countries.