In your own words, discuss volcanic hazards. Although commonly thought to be ass
ID: 293066 • Letter: I
Question
In your own words, discuss volcanic hazards. Although commonly thought to be associated with most volcanic eruptions (by the general public), lava is rarely responsible for the loss of life. Which hazards would tend to be more deadly? Finally, indicate and discuss those hazards that are a direct result of a volcanic eruption as well as those hazards that are indirectly linked. (Hint: think of "indirectly associated" hazards as "side effects".). Your response should be at least 200 words in length.
Explanation / Answer
Volcanic hazards: Volcanic hazards are due to primary and secondary causes. Primary causes are due to flow of lava from the volcano, gases that are released when the volcano erupts which causes air pollution, noise pollution, breathing problems, skin related diseases etc. Secondary causes include the fault formation in the ground; crustal weakening which leads to landslides, ground shaking which may lead to earth quakes or tsunamis. The deadliest hazard has been found to the earthquakes and the structural collapse of the geological cross section that occurs due to the volcanic eruption. This high temperature lava flows significantly changes the profile and temperature of the land around the volcano and the settlements around the volcano are greatly affected due to landslides and earthquakes. The flows include pyroclastic flows and surges which are the part of the volcanic eruption that causes the indirect effects like generation of gases and earthquakes. Lava flows indirectly produces lot heat and temperature which creates an uncomfortable situation for the living organisms. Moreover, the mudflows that occur due to the flow of lava outside the volcano also create a complicated situation around the volcano in terms of the geographical profile change of the land, animals and the vegetation.