Mountain Ash: Meaning and Health Tips for Hiking

If you plan to climb a volcanic summit, knowing about mountain ash is very important. This natural phenomenon occurs when a volcano erupts and releases fine volcanic ash particles. These tiny particles are dangerous for the ecosystem. For humans, the volcanic cinders can be harmful to the respiratory system. Most people take it lightly, thinking that it is just dust, but in reality, it can be life-threatening.

For example, you can suffer from a cough, an itchy throat, and nasal congestion. If mountain ash enters an animal’s lungs, it can cause coughing, asphyxiation, or pneumonia. Besides, the volcanic cinders disrupt flights, contaminate water, damage electronic devices, and cause many other problems. Plants are no exception. The ash accumulation disturbs the photosynthesis process, which may lead to crop failure.

For hikers, knowledge of this topic helps them stay safe during their explorations. Moreover, they can prepare better while still enjoying the vacation. With such information, they can plan several trekking routes in case eruptions happen. Keep reading to know interesting and useful insights about the theme.

What is mountain ash?

Mountain ash refers to very small particles of volcanic rock, minerals, and volcanic glass produced during an eruption. The particles come from the splitting of magma and stones inside a volcano due to pressure and high temperature. Besides smooth rocky particles, the ashes contain minerals, such as silica, and small volcanic glasses.

It’s not difficult to identify the cinders. They have special physical characteristics that make them different from ordinary cinders. This information will help you take precautions to protect your health. Check the special characteristics of the cinders below:

• Mountain ash is very smooth: It consists of particles that may be smaller than sand.

• Having diverse colours: The cinder can look grey, black, or brown, depending on the type of material from the volcano.

• Easily carried away by wind: The super tiny size of the ash makes it easy to travel up to dozens or hundreds of kilometres from the eruption point.

• Harsh and abrasive: The ash is actually sharp and can scrape the surface of an object or damage a machine.

• Not easily soluble in water: Unlike soil, the ash will turn into heavy and sticky mud when you put it in water.

Hiking tips at Rinjani as an active volcano

Rinjani Mountain is an active stratovolcano in Indonesia, which means it can erupt at any time. The last eruption occurred on 27 September 2016. At that time, the mountain ash was as high as 2,000 metres. This explosion caused the temporary closure of the local airport. Besides, the tourists were evacuated after the ash was heading to the west and southwest.

Today, the mountain is safe or at Normal I stage. The status indicates no signs leading to eruptions in the near future. The Centre of Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG) observes the activities of the mountain daily. Despite the relatively safe situation, you need to know the following tips once the summit is reopened.

Checking the volcano status

The first step is checking the status information from both the volcano centre and the Rinjani Mountain Park. If the mountain ash begins to emerge from the volcano, cancel your hiking plan. You have to reschedule your outdoor activities if the status is at a high alert level. Always remember to prioritise your safety and health.

Carrying necessary gears

As said previously, mountain ash is sharp and irritating. To shield your body, bring necessary gear, such as an N95 or equivalent mask to protect your lungs. Don’t forget to wear protective glasses or goggles while you carry out activities around the summit. Wear long sleeves and gloves if an ashfall may happen based on the forecast.

Prioritising your eyes and respiratory system

In case ash particles begin to fall, you need to prioritise your eyes and breathing first. In this regard, cover your nose and mouth so that you won’t inhale the cinder, which can result in coughing all the time. Try not to rub your eyes so the ash does not scratch the surface of your eyes.

Slow trekking in ash-covered trails

Mountain ash can cause slippery trekking trails and cover trail markers. As a result, you will find it difficult to see the trails. If you walk quickly, you may fall, given the slick surface. Thus, walk slowly with trekking poles to give good balance. You need to avoid steep slopes where the dust can slide.

Let’s have a safe outdoor trip with the Rinjani Trekking Center!

Can’t wait to hike the Rinjani peak? Your wait is about to be over soon. The local authorities are still closing the Park area for public hiking to get enough time for improving the facilities and repairing the trekking routes. However, the management plans to reopen it early next month. So, why don’t you plan the trip starting from today?

We, Rinjani Trekking Center, are ready to guide and accompany your vacation here. Our professional tour guides will ensure your holiday is safe and secure. We will work our best to help protect your health, including when mountain ash falls. Contact us now for more information. Or, book the tour package using the website today!