21.   While eruptions pose dangers with their ash clouds and lava flows, explosions can be catastrophic with devastating concussion waves and clouds of toxic, scalding gases.

22.   Word of a dangerous ash cloud can speed worldwide in minutes.

23.   Witnesses said a huge ash cloud blew over a nearby snowfield, forcing its closure to skiers only six days after it opened for business.

24.   Helen Goodall, spokeswoman for Japan Air Lines, said two daily flights from Sydney to Japan and one from Brisbane were rerouted to avoid the volcanic ash cloud.

25.   The airline said the ash cloud was now too dangerous and the direct flights would now move westward, over Darwin.