tephra
/ˈtɛfrə/Definitions
1. noun
volcanic ash or rock fragments ejected into the atmosphere by volcanic eruptions, often found in layers at the surface of the earth
“The geologist studied the tephra deposits to determine the frequency and severity of past volcanic eruptions.”
2. noun
a deposit of tephra, typically found in a layer or bed
“The archaeological team excavated a layer of tephra that revealed signs of human habitation dating back thousands of years.”