Taftan (volcano) published in 1897 indicated the absence of very fresh lava flows but the authors inferred from the fresh ash that volcanic activity had occurred during the present geological epoch. That the name "Taftan" may be derived from an ancient Iranian word "taft" for "semi solid liquid material" could indicate that effusive activity was witnessed by the people of that time period around the volcano. Eruptions are recorded in 1902, 1970 and 1993. A report of smoke emission in 1877 may have confused clouds for volcanic activity. In 1914, the volcano was described to be "belching out clouds of smoke", although
Liquid chalk from magnesium carbonate, as compared to the more common powder chalk, which is calcium carbonate. Since liquid chalk does not leave a white residue, it is an environmentally friendly alternative. In four forms of climbing, liquid chalk may prove more useful than powdered chalk. "Many rock climbers prefer to use liquid over dry because of volume and weight. In the past, huge heavy chalk blocks had to be taken on climbs because so much was required to climb" In other sports, liquid chalk is less beneficial to the athlete, because re-chalking can be done more easily between sets or rounds.