risks & Benefits of living near a volcano

Question 1

Risk - Destruction by volcanic Materials

Answer 1

Gases , ashes , lava and cinder are thrown out during violent explosions destroying lives and property , settlements , forests , crops and livestock . They also interrupt communications and also emit CO2 , lethal concentrations of it can suffocate people and animals .

Question 2

Risk - Pyroclastic Flow

Answer 2

Low silica lava moves rapidly and flows over long distances causing damage to larger areas , a pyroclastic flow can destroy everything in its path with hot rock fragments ranging from ash to boulders travelling at very high speeds , inhaling the hot ash and gases could result in serious injury or death

Question 3

Risk - Landslides

Answer 3

Landslides refer to the collapse of a mass of earth or rock from a mountain or cliff , volcanic eruptions can trigger the structural collapse of a volcanic cone
during an eruption this can obstruct the flow of rivers and cause flood , can also block roads ( disrupting recovery works ) , May also bury villages

Question 4

Risk - Pollution

Answer 4

Large quantities of volcanic ash and dust thrown out during eruptions can pollute the environment ( air , land & water ) , they can damage the respiratory systems of people and livestock , they can also contaminate water sources and vegetation → Temporary food shortage is possible as it makes the food inedible

Question 5

Benefit - Formation of Fertile Soil

Answer 5

Lava and pyroclastic materials break down to form soil , this volcanic soil is very rich in minerals → Makes it possible for farmers to reap rich harvest , thus many people stay there for the social and economic benefits the volcanoes bring them : Economic → More income earned , Social → Higher standard of living due to more income earned

Question 6

Benefit - Precious stones and minerals

Answer 6

Mining of precious stones and minerals is possible in volcanic areas , as after millions of years after the upper layers of volcanic rocks are eroded precious stones and minerals are exposed and extracted , Locals tap on these stones to sell to earn icon ( economic) , volcanic rocks are also good building materials which can be used in the production of daily items

Question 7

Benefit - Opportunities for tourism

Answer 7

Volcanic areas be be tourist attractions , with different volcanic features like geysers and hot springs . Hot springs ⇒ Health resorts which causes an increase in health conscious travelers and the mineralized water is believed to have medicinal value to cur skin diseases

Question 8

Benefit - Geothermal Energy

Answer 8

Heath from the earth’s crust ⇒ Heats up ground water in volcanic areas , the steam can be tapped to turn turbines which is a product of geothermal energy , heated underground water in volcanic areas is also used to warm houses in volcanic Iceland