Editing Tephra (section)

== Environmental effects ==
The release of tephra into the [[troposphere]] affects the [[Natural environment|environment]] physically and chemically. Physically, volcanic blocks damage local flora and human settlements. Ash damages communication and electrical systems, coats forests and plant life, reducing [[photosynthesis]], and pollutes [[groundwater]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=USGS: Volcano Hazards Program|url=https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vhp/tephra.html|website=volcanoes.usgs.gov|access-date=19 March 2020}}</ref> Tephra changes below- and above-ground air and water movement. Chemically, tephra release can affect the [[water cycle]]. Tephra particles can cause [[ice crystals]] to grow in clouds, which increases [[precipitation]]. Nearby watersheds and the [[ocean]] can experience elevated [[mineral]] levels, especially [[iron]], which can cause explosive population growth in [[plankton]] communities.<ref name="Ayris 1905–1936"/> This, in turn, can result in [[eutrophication]].