Tephra is a general geographical term for all airborne volcanic ejecta, regardless of size or composition. It includes everything from fine volcanic ash and lapilli (small stones) to large volcanic bombs and blocks thrown into the air during an eruption. Tephra deposits can cover vast areas, significantly altering the local topography and soil fertility over time. ANSWER: (B) All types of airborne volcanic ejecta (ash, rocks)
The term ‘Tephra’ refers to: (A) Molten lava (B) All types of airborne volcanic ejecta (ash, rocks) (C) The smell of sulfur (D) Underwater volcanoes
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In volcanology, tephra encompasses all fragmental material produced by an explosive eruption. While “lava” refers to molten flow, tephra refers to the solid particles blasted into the atmosphere. Geographers study tephra layers (tephrochronology) to date prehistoric eruptions and understand the frequency of volcanic activity in a region. Fine tephra (ash) can travel thousands of miles, impacting aviation and climate, while heavier tephra falls near the vent, building up the volcanic cone. The accumulation of tephra is the primary process by which stratovolcanoes and cinder cones increase their height and geographical footprint.