Effects
The effect that volcanoes have on the earth can be very destructive because they have the capability of killing humans, animals, and nature. When a volcano erupts it tends to release hot molten rock, called magma, which is destructive because of its extreme heat. When a volcano erupts it not only releases magma, but also releases highly toxic and deadly gases. When volcanoes erupt it releases a deadly emission called pyroclastic flow. This is a mixture of burning hot ash and poisonous gases, such as; carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and hydrochloric acid. This can travel down the volcano's slope at hundreds of miles per hour destroying anything and everything in its path. This gas also is released into the earths atmosphere. When this happens, not only does it effect the area of the volcanoes eruption but also thousands and thousands of miles, as the wind can makes this gases travel. These toxic gases are more of a danger to humans and animals than the actual lava flow. When this ash settle it can cover thousands of square meters of land.
Effects on the 4 sphere's...
Volcanoes effect all four spheres of the Earth. It effects the atmosphere because the eruptions release harmful toxic gases that pollute the air. Volcano eruptions also change the weather. They can cause rain, thunder and lightning. Volcanoes also have long-term effects on the climate, making the world cooler.
Atmosphere: Volcanic eruptions impact the atmosphere is many ways. As volcanoes erupt, they send gases, ash and dust into the air. The atmosphere is a blanket of gases that surrounds the entire Earth. It is necessary for all human, animal and plant life as it contains oxygen and other gases that make the Earth a habitable place. The ash that is produced when the volcano erupts pollutes the atmosphere. This has an impact on society and the air we breathe. The pollution of the ash makes it difficult for human to breathe as the air is not clean. This could lead to loss of life or severe medical problems. With the extent of damage a volcanic eruptions causes, it could badly affect society. As well as polluting the earths atmosphere, volcanic eruptions interfere with the heating and cooling of the Earth. When ash is emitted from the volcano, it mixes with clouds and creates a big ash and cloud ball. This moves over the sun and blocks the light. By this, the heat from the sun is unable to reach the earth, therefore cooling the earths temperature. As volcanic eruptions also release amounts of carbon dioxide and water into the atmosphere, these two gases absorb the heat radiation and remain in the atmosphere. By this, the air gets warmer. Volcanoes also have long-term effects on the climate, making the world cooler. Biosphere: With the many gases emitted from a volcanic eruption and put into the air society and animals breathe, it is extremely hazardous. The biosphere is impacted by volcanic eruptions as plants are killed. The positive is that that the soil gets nutrients that will help to plants regrow. Lave flows kill animals that are in its part. Animals that have not been evacuated are left standing in the path of fast flowing, hot lava. The wipe out of plants and other insects can lead to the death of animals as they experience a famine. Aquatic life are impacted on by volcanic eruptions as the dangerous acid mixed water flows into their habitat, wiping out signs of life. Birds are also severely impacted on as thick could of ash come in their path blocking their route of migration, their flying ability and their visibility of food. Hydrosphere: The gases and ash that are pushed out of the volcano during an eruption, get into the air and mix with clouds and water particles. When these two things mix severe damage can be caused to the society and water. The hydrosphere is all the water on the earths surface. The gases that are emitted from volcano can affect the rain, causing acid rain. This is when the chemicals in the gases meets with rain and makes it acidic. With this, many humans and other living organisms are affected. Rain water is used to help plants and trees grow. With the acidity in the water at a high, it can kill the organisms. As well as this, the gases that come out of the volcano go with streams, lakes and seas. This is extremely hazardous as there is sea life present in those waters. This impacts on the society as many people rely on this sea life as a source of their income. Without these fish and water creature, many people lose their jobs. Volcanic eruptions also pollute the water that is used for drinking. This impacts society as it could kill or seriously sicken people. The heat produced by the lava fills the air and eventually reaches glaciers and landscapes of ice. With the extreme heat, these iced placed are forced to melt and therefore cause big pools of water that turn to floods. Floods spread quickly and come in the path of the houses of people forcing them to evacuate. This shows that volcanic eruptions are linked with the hydrosphere and society and impact both is a major way. Lithosphere: The lithosphere is the outermost part of the solid Earth. Volcanic eruptions penetrate through the lithosphere. Lava flows out of a volcano when it erupts. This lava meets with plants, trees, grass, soil and crops. As lava is a very hot liquid, it burns out all forms of living organisms. This has a major impact on society as people reply on plants to provide them with foods. Once the lava had burned out the plants, it is extremely difficult for it to grow back as the heat has penetrated into the ground to the roots. As well as this, the lithosphere is affected by the power if an eruption. The force an eruptions brings to the earth can crack the ground and created dents and craters. This ruins the habits of many animals. |
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Effects on Society...
Volcanoes present both long term and short term effects. Volcanoes can wipe of mountains, livable areas, food supply, transport and can blanket hot rocks/lava making large areas unsafe. Extreme volcanic eruptions such as Mount Vesuvius’ famous eruption of AD 79 completely covered the city of Pompeii and Herculaneum. People not only died from the magma which they knew nothing about, but also died from the sulphur gasses released as Mount Vesuvius .Volcanic eruptions that have occurred more recently have not been as destructive however the effects that occurred in Pompeii and Herculaneum show similarities. When a volcanic eruption occurs the lava will flow down the volcano as it is on a hill, instead of Pompeii people of the 21st century have understandings of the risks faced by the volcano and usually choose to stay on a safe zone. This generally causes the volcanic eruption to be less harmful as people are further away than those in 79 AD. However cities established on the volcano show a high risk of being wiped out, especially if the volcano is not extinct. Islands such as Hawaii economy is at risk as the city is on a series of volcanoes. If a severe volcanic eruption was to occur the money to re establish the city will be in the billions.