The Lasting Effects of a Volcanic Eruption Bobbi Pompey November 14, 2012 EASC 201- Earth, Mans Environment

Godfrey a. Uzochukwu, Ph. D North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Greensboro, NC

CONTENTS Introduction and Thesis Definition and Causes of Volcanoes Where Volcanoes Commonly Occur Environmental Effects Economic Effects Health Effects Conclusion References 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 5

According to VolcanoLive.com, approximately 50 to 60 volcanoes erupt around the world every year. Although a volcanic eruption is a single event, it can affect several different aspects. A volcanic eruption can affect the environment and economy of the area surrounding it, and it can affect the health of organisms living in that area as well.

In essence, a volcano is simply a mountain. But instead of being made of various rocks, sediments and compacted material, it is constructed of the products of a volcanic eruption. Volcanoes can be described as hill like structures over vents in the Earths crust. These vents cover molten rock that lies beneath the surface of Earth. Pressure from gas causes this molten material to rise under Earths surface. If this pressure is strong enough, and the crust lying up the molten rock is weak or vented, this material will break through the surface. This causes a volcanic eruption. Volcanic eruptions can also be a result of the Plate Tectonic Theory. This theory states that the Earth is made of several moving pieces called plates. When these plates converge, or collide into one another, the force and pressure resulting from this impact can result in a volcanic eruption. When these plates diverge, or move apart, the Earths surface can begin to thins as a result. This thinning can cause weakening in the crust, and eventually led to the formation of vents that will cause volcanic eruptions. (Uzochukwu)

How volcanoes are formed and what causes them to erupt can also help explain where they are more likely to be located. Volcanoes are typically found on top of vents in the Earths crust. Therefore, any weak or thin areas of the crust could be locations for a potential volcanic eruption. Also, because most volcanoes are found on the boundaries of the Earths plates,

volcanoes tend to be found closer to the edge of these plates than in the middle. Geographically, a lot of volcanoes are found along the Ring of Fire. This refers to an area of the world along the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Some of the worlds most active volcanoes can be found here. The Ring of Fire includes areas like; the West coast of the United States, East Siberia, Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, and island chains like New Guinea and New Zealand. Other active volcanoes are located in Ireland, the Kenya Rift Valley, East Africa, Italy, and Hawaii. Because people in these areas are so close to volcanoes, they are typically most effected. (Location of Volcanoes)

Because a volcano eruption is a mass movement of the Earth, one of its biggest impacts is on the environment. When a volcanic eruption occurs, the heat from the explosion releases the gases within the molten rock. Water vapor, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen carbon oxide, volatile metal chemicals, greenhouse gases, and other trace gases are all released during an eruption. These gases can cause acid rain, global warming, ozone depleting, global cooling, climate changes, smoke clouds, ash columns, volcanic smog (vog), water pollution, air pollution, and other environmental hazards. Exposure to these gases also kills most agricultural crops and animal life. Also, the extreme heat of volcanic lava flows will burn through and destroy everything in its path. It can easily destroy buildings, roads, bridges, forests, and any other structures. (McGee)

Volcanoes can also negatively impact the economy of the areas close to the sight of the volcano. Acid rain often forms from the release of gas during an eruption. This acid rain will pollute the water and kill agricultural foliage. As a result, fish in the water could die or be unsafe

to eat, ruining any profit that could be made from fish. This water pollution will also have an impact on any other business that needs water to operate. The killing of agricultural foliage will kill the agricultural part of the economy. It will also raise the prices of food due to the short supply of safe food. Acid rain will also hurt the food chain, if plants are not safe to eat, animals that consume them may die or become sick, therefor causing a shortage of animal byproducts used by humans. (McGee)

The destruction caused by the volcanic lava and fire will also adversely affects the economy. After an eruption, most of the affected area will be completely burned away. As a result, houses, schools, government buildings, and businesses will be gone. Without these things, it will be hard for the economy to survive. Infrastruture will also be severely damaged as a result. Without means of transportation (roads, bridges, trains, etc.) it will be hard to move and sell goods both in and out of the affected area. (McGee)

Lastly, if a volcano eruption occurs the health of human in the area would be at risk. The gases, smoke, and pollution from the eruption would all be hazardous to human health. Health effects can be minor, but they can be severe as well and even result in fatalities. Health problems that can result from a volcanic eruption can include; burning and irritation of eyes, damage to mucus membranes throughout the body, damage to the respatory system, headaches, fatigue, respiration issues (breathing problems), and allergic reactions. Some health effects are long term, while others are only temporary. Typically, those closest to the sight of the explosion are more likely to suffer from these health complications. (McGee)

Overall, the occurence of a volcanic eruption can have a negative impact on the environment and economy of the area it occurs in, as well as the health of those who inhabit that area. A volcano may only be one it event, but its impact can be felt in several different areas. Scientists may be able to tell us where and when a volcano is most likely to erupt, but no one can know exactly when it will happen and how great of an impact it will have on area. So areas where there is frequent volcanic activity should always been prepared for the worst, because you never know when you will be faced with the aftermath of a volcanic eruption.

REFERENCES 1. "Location of Volcanoes." Location of Volcanoes. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Nov. 2012. <http://ete.cet.edu/modules/volcanoes/vlocation.html>.
2. McGee, Keneth A., Michael P. Doukas, Richard Kassia, and Terrence M. Gerlach. "Impact of Volcanic Gases." Impact of Volcanic Gases. United States Geological Surveys, May 1997. Web. 11 Nov. 2012. <http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/1997/of97-262/of97-262.html>.

3. Uzochukwu, Godfrey. "EASC 201 ClassroomLectures." NC A&T SU, Greensboro, NC. Oct.-Nov. 2012. Lecture. 4. "Volcano Live." Volcanic Explosivity 5. Index. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Nov. 2012. <http://www.volcanolive.com/vei.html>.