Benefits and Problems of Volcanoes

Benefits of volcanoes to humans

• They eject lava and ash which in turn produce very fertile soils which boost agriculture activities.
• Volcanoes and areas near them can be used to produce geothermal energy which can be fed into electrical grids and boost the energy supplies of the affected regions and countries.
• Volcanic materials sometimes contain precious minerals such as Opals and obsidian.
• They act as tourist attractions and thus provide a livelihood and foreign currency to people living near them.
• They may form habitable islands for people to live for example the Hawaii islands in the Pacific ocean are a result of volcanic activity.
• Hardened volcanic ash can also be used to make lightweight concrete for building houses and other infrastructure installations.
• Produce essential condensation nuclei.
• They produce pumice stones that are used as abrasives.
• Igneous rocks that are formed can be used as building materials.
• Calderas may form lakes which can provide people with a livelihood in the fishing industry as well as provide water for home and industrial use.

Problems caused by volcanoes.

• They can cause loss of life especially when they erupt unexpectedly as in the destruction of Pompeii
• Can cause destruction to crops when they erupt and via lava flow as recently happened in Hawaii.
• Destruction of ecosystems and destroys biodiversity.
• They can cause destruction to infrastructure such as homes, roads, towns.
• Can cause acid rain to fall.
• They may cause natural fires.
• Can cause lahars, special hot mud flows which when set have the consistency of concrete.
• Can cause tsunamis especially when they happen near islands.
• Displace large populations of people

Mitigating the problems of volcanoes

Although volcanic eruptions cannot be prevented their effects can be mitigated to some extent.

• Quick well trained rescue operations to affected areas.
• Effective media operations to quickly disseminate information whenever volcanic activity is predicted or expected.
• Diverting lava flows using barriers and explosives although these tend to be highly ineffective.
• Install gas detectors near volcanoes to detect non-violent eruptions that might lead to poisonous gases being dispersed to populated areas.
• Clearing tephra (ash) from roofs so that it will not accumulate and cause houses/buildings to collapse.
• Evacuation from affected areas prior to eruptions and lahar flows and tsunamis.
• Monitoring volcanoes using the latest seismic technology so as to predict likely eruptions and changes in cycles and activity.

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