An
eruption column is a cloud of hot
volcanic ash suspended in
volcanic gas emitted during an explosive
volcanic eruption. The ash forms a column that may rise many kilometres into the air above the vent of the volcano. In the most explosive eruptions, the eruption column may rise over 40 km, penetrating the
stratosphere. Stratospheric injection of
aerosols by volcanoes is a major cause of short-term
climate change.