Nyiragongo Flashcards
(8 cards)
Location of Nyiragongo
Near border of rwanda (west)
Located on the western branch of the Great African rift valley
20k north of goma
What are the characteristics of Mt Nyiragongo?
On a constructive plate boundary
Cone volcano
Basaltic lava - fast flowing
Low viscosity
Effusive eruptions
very active volcano
Cause of 2002 eruption
Fueled by residual magma in lava lake
Magma rising from fissure vents
Fissure opened on southern side of volcano - earthquake
Lava lake was drain through fissure
Primary effects of 2002 eruption
12,500 homes destroyed
many moved to refugee camps
147 people died
road blocked by lava
lost their business and jobs
Secondary effects of 2002 eruption
Aid couldnt reach Goma because lava blocked roads
Cholera spread due to overcrowding
most people coudnt afford to rebuild house
Acid rain, Farmland damaged
High levels of CO2
water and power supplies destroyed
homelessness
Short term responses of 2002 eruption
Aid gave bedding, water, food and clothes
UN supplied 260 tonnes of food
2 million fled to rwanda
400,000 people evacuated
IRC and Oxfam delivered 800,000 litres of water per day
Long term responses of 2002 eruption
UN set up camps for homeless people
Lava and ash cleaned from streets
Volcanology taught in schools
Stage 5 of park model - learning from past experiences
How is Mt Nyiragongo managed?
Established Goma Volcano Observatory
Volcanologist - investigate CO2 in crop fields and populated areas
Hazard awareness campaigns
Making evacuation routes
