Characterization of Ash Samples from the Kelud (Indonesia) Volcanic Eruption of 2014 and its Environmental Implications.

The eruptions from Kelud (Kelut) volcano, Indonesia on 13 to 14 February, 2014 ejected huge amount of volcanic ash to an altitude of more than 26 km and spread to >700 km, leading to the disruption of flights, collapse of man-made structures, traffic accidents, and large-scale evacuations while leaving indelible signs of ecosystem degradation. To better comprehend the physical and chemical characters and possible environmental implications of Kelud eruption, three unconsolidated poorly-sorted ash samples were collected on February 24, 2014 from roof tops in Yogyakarta, Indonesia and analyzed for their size (0.3 to 300 µm), shape (irregular, columnar and tabular), texture (vesicular with shards and Pele's hair), mineralogy (andesine + diopside + enstatite + cristobalite + magnetite + glass) and geochemistry (basaltic andesite — andesite). The trace element concentrations, marginally fractionated REE pattern, and the basaltic andesite to andesite affinity of all Kelud ash samples infer their genetic linkage with island arc environment. The fine-grained particulate matter in the inhalable size range, presence of crystalline silica (cristobalite) and chemical toxicity of ash, observed during the present study, shall be useful for disaster preparedness and to create environmental safeguards for similar volcanic eruptions in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]