Volcanic Eruption and Its Consequences to the World!
1: Introduction:
A volcanic eruption is a natural phenomenon that occurs when
molten rock, gas and ash are expelled from a vent in the Earth's crust.
Volcanic eruptions can have different types and intensities, depending on the
composition and viscosity of the magma, the amount and type of gas, and the
tectonic setting of the volcano. Some eruptions are explosive and violent,
producing large clouds of ash and pyroclastic flows that can destroy everything
in their path. Other eruptions are effusive and gentle, producing lava flows
that can cover large areas of land. Volcanic eruptions can have significant
impacts on the environment and human society, such as creating new landforms,
modifying the climate, affecting air quality, and causing natural disasters.
2: Volcanic Eruption:
2.1: What is volcanic eruption
An opening in
the earth’s surface from which magma, volcanic ash and gases escapes is called
a volcano. They generally occur where tectonic plates come together or separate.
but we can also find them in the middle of plates due to volcanic hotspots.
When lava or gas releases from a volcano explosively that is volcanic eruption.
2.2: How it happens:
In the deeper earth some rocks slowly melt and become magma, that is a thick flowing substance because of the high temperature. magma is lighter than the solid rock, so it rises and collects in magma chambers. The magma comes out of the vents and fissures to the earth’s surface. Lava is the magma that is erupted.
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| Fig: An Erupting Volcano |
2.3: Area of damage:
It is difficult
to control property damage from volcanic eruption, because of changes in land
use and differing value systems. A few eruptions cause serious damage, while most
are much less damaging. the mount St. Helens eruption in 1980 caused more than
$1 billion worth damage, mainly to the timber industry.
Only a few
volcanic phenomena are destructive, the oceans, atmosphere and continents are
their origin and evolution in large measure to volcanic processes throughout
geologic time.
A lava flow can
bury and engulf the land, but new soil and vegetation eventually develop. The
recovery is rapid where the climate is humid and warm. And the recovery is
slower in desert or arctic climates.
 |
Figure-2:
Hawaii volcano eruption Damage |
3: Causes of volcanic eruption:
Volcanic
eruption can be caused by many factors. These factors are divided into two major
factors which are internal factors and external factors.
3.1: Internal factors:
Volcanic
eruption are mainly triggered by internal factors. Internal factors are the
causes that happen in the magma chamber. Most of the eruptions are caused by
these factors.
Tectonic activity:
volcanos are mostly from where two more
tectonic plates meet. When they make against each other, they create fiction
and pressure that can lead to the formation of magma beneath the Earth's
surface. As this magma towards the surface, it can eventually erupt as a
volcano. Again, when this plate collide, one plate can be forced beneath the
other causing it to melt and from magma, leading to explosive volcanoes. In
addition, tectonic plates can also cause volcanic eruption by moving away from
each other. Because of the rift, magma can rise of to fill the space between
them, leading to the formation of new volcanoes.
Magma static pressure:
volcanic eruption can also occur due to magma
static pressure, which is the pressure that builds up within a magma chamber as
a result of weight of the overlying rock. As magma rise towards the surface,
the pressure within the chamber can increase, leading to an eruption. Magma
static pressure can be influenced by a variety of factors like - the size and
deaf of the magma chamber, the viscosity of the magma and the rate of magma
production. If the pressure, within the magma chamber becomes to great, it can
rupture the overlying rock and lead to an explosive eruption. In some cases, magma static
pressure can be relieved through Smaller, less explosive eruptions. However, if
the pressure continues to build, it can lead to larger and more destructive
eruptions.
3.2: External factors:
While volcanic
eruptions are often associated with internal factors such as tectonic activity
and magma static pressure, they can also be triggered by external factors.
Earthquake:
volcanic eruption can be caused by
earthquakes, which are triggered by the movement tectonic plates. Earthquakes
can create new pathway for magma to reach the surface. The shaking caused by an
earthquake can cause fracture and fissures in the rock surrounding the volcano
allowing magma of flow more easily towards the surface which causes eruption.
Earthquakes can also change the pressure and stress within a volcano. If a
earthquake occurs near a volcano it can cause changes in the pressure and
stress within the magma chamber which can trigger an eruption. Earthquakes can
cause landslides and rock falls which in turn can also become the cause of a
volcanic eruption.
landslides:
Corruption can be
triggered by landslides which are the sudden movement of rock, soil and debris
down a slope. Landslides can affect volcanic activity in several ways. Firstly,
landslides can directly impact volcanic by removing material from the side of
the volcano. This can destabilize lies the volcano and cause changes in the
pressure and stress within the magma chamber. If the pressure in magma chamber
becomes to great, it can erupt volcano. Secondly, landslide can generate large
waves or water surge, which can cause a sudden inflow of water into the magma
chamber and volcanic eruption. Finally, landslide and create pathways for
magmas to reach the surface. The sudden movement of rock and debris can cause
low lithostatic pressure and fractures in the surface allowing magma to flow
more easily to the surface.
Infiltration
of water into the magma:
when water comes into contact with hot magma
it can cause rapid expansion and fragmentation leading to an explosive
eruption. This is known as a phreatic for steam driven eruption. There are
several ways in which water can infiltrate the magma chamber. One way is
through rainfall and snow melt which can seep into the ground and reach the
magma chamber through fractures and porous rock. The infiltration of sea water
which can occur when a volcano is located near the cost. When water enters the
magma.
Chamber, it can
cause the magma to rapidly expand and fragment. This is because the water
vaporizes into steam when it comes into contact with the hot magma. This stream
can create pressure that can fracture and break the surrounding rock, leading
to an explosive eruption. phreatic, corruption can occur suddenly and without
warning which makes them particularly dangerous.
Climate change:
there are evidence that suggest that climate
change could have an impact and volcanic activity. One way in which climate
change can potentially trigger volcanic eruption is through melting ice. As
glaciers and icecaps melt, they can reduce the weight on the arts craft causing
it to be rebound and potentially trigger and in volcanic eruption. Another way
in which climate change could impact balcony activity is through changes in precipitation
patterns. Changes in rainfall and snowfall could affect the water supply to
volcanoes potentially leading to change his in the pressure and stress within
the magma chamber and leading to volcanic eruption. In addition, changes in
temperature and the weather pattern code also affect the likelihood of
landslides and other external factors that can trigger volcanic eruption.
Human activity:
Volcanic
eruptions are primarily caused by natural processes. However, in some ways,
human activity can also contribute to volcanic eruptions. One is through the
injection of fluids into the earth’s crust, such as through the drilling of
geothermal wells or the disposal of wastewater from oil and gas drilling operation.
This can increase the pressure within the earth’s crust and trigger volcanic
activity. Another is through the mining of minerals and extraction of oil and
gas, which can cause subsidence of the sinking of the earth's crust. This can
lead to the formation on new volcanic vents or the reactivation of dormant
ones.
Meteorite impacts:
Volcanic
eruption can be triggered by a variety of factors, including meteorite impacts.
When a large meteorite college with the Earth’s surface, it can generate
intense heat and pressure that can cause volcanic activity. This is because the
impact can cause fractures in the earth’s crust, allowing magma to rise to the
surface. One famous example of volcanic eruption triggered by a meteorite
impact is the cretaceous Paleogene extinction event, which occurred
approximately 66 million years ago. It is believed to be caused by the impact
of a large asteroid in what it is now the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. The
impact caused massive fires, earthquakes, tsunamis as well as long lasting
winter.
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Figure-3:
Meteorite Impact in eruption |
Volcanic
eruptions are classified into different types based on the amount and style of
magma and gas that are ejected. The most common types of volcanic eruptions
are:
 |
figure-4: types
of volcanic eruption |
- Effusive
eruptions: These eruptions produce lava flows that can cover large areas and
form shield volcanoes or lava domes. The lava is usually low in viscosity and
gas content and flows smoothly and quietly. Examples of effusive eruptions
include those of Kilauea in Hawaii and Etna in Italy.
- Explosive
eruptions: These eruptions produce pyroclastic materials that can travel at
high speeds and form stratovolcanoes or calderas. The magma is usually high in
viscosity and gas content and erupts violently and loudly. Examples of
explosive eruptions include those of Mount St. Helens in 1980 and Pinatubo in
1991.
- Plinian
eruptions: These are a type of explosive eruption that produce huge columns of
ash and gas that can reach the stratosphere and affect the global climate. The
magma is very high in viscosity and gas content and erupts with tremendous
force and noise. Examples of Plinian eruptions include those of Vesuvius in 79
AD and Krakatoa in 1883.
- Strombolian
eruptions: These are a type of explosive eruption that produce small to
medium-sized bursts of lava and gas that can form cinder cones or spatter
cones. The magma is moderately viscous and gas-rich and erupts with a rhythmic
pattern and moderate noise. Examples of Strombolian eruptions include those of
Stromboli in Italy and Paricutin in Mexico.
- Vulcanian
eruptions: These are a type of explosive eruption that produce dense clouds of
ash and gas that can form composite volcanoes or tuff cones. The magma is very
viscous and gas-poor and erupts with a sudden blast and loud noise. Examples
of Volcanoes eruptions include those of Gallerias in Colombia and Sakurajima in
Japan.
- Hawaiian
eruptions: These are a type of effusive eruption that produce fountains of lava
and gas that can form spatter ramparts or lava lakes. The lava is very low in
viscosity and gas content and erupts with a gentle spray and low noise.
Examples of Hawaiian eruptions include those of Mauna Loa in Hawaii and Erta
Ale in Ethiopia.
- Phreatic
eruptions: These are a type of eruption that produce steam and ash that can
form maars or hydrothermal explosions. The eruption is caused by the
interaction of water and hot rocks or magma and does not involve new magma.
Examples of phreatic eruptions include those of Taal in 2020 and Yellowstone in
the past.
4: Examples of Volcanic Eruptions:
All volcanic
eruption is not explosive. From the thin and runny magma escapes. If this kind
of magma erupts, it flows out of the volcano. This kind of eruptions occurs at Hawaii’s
volcanoes. People are rarely killed by the lava flows because they move slowly,
and people can get out of the spot.
From the thick
and sticky magma, gases cannot escape. The gases explode because of the buildup
of pressure. This kind of eruptions occurs at Washington mount St. Helens. Here
the magma blasts and breaks apart into pieces that are called tephra.
4.1: Effusive eruptions:
An eruption
where lava flows steadily from the volcano onto the ground. These eruptions are
favored by low gas content and low viscosity magmas.
·
When the viscosity is low, non-explosive
eruptions begin with fire fountains because of the release of dissolved gases.
·
On the surface lava flows are produced, they
rush like liquids on lowest areas they can find.
·
When the magma emerges along a fracture, a
fissure eruption happens, which is called a “curtain of fire”.
·
The lava flows that is produced under water by
eruptions is called pillow lavas.
·
The lava will pile up over the vent to produce a
lava dome or volcanic dome when the viscosity is high, but gas content is low.
4.2: Explosive eruptions:
Explosive
eruptions are those which are favored by high gas content and viscosity magmas.
The magma is fragmented into clots of liquid that cool as fall through the air
by the explosive bursting of bursting of bubbles. These particles which are
solid become pyro clasts or volcanic ash. The gas and tephra clouds that rise
above a volcano produce an eruption column which can rise up to 45 km into the
atmosphere. Eventually the wind will pick up the tephra in the eruption column
and carry for some distance, then fall back to the surface as an ash fall or
tephra fall. The name of the eruption is Plinian eruption.
When the
pressure is low in the bubbles, an eruption column will be produced by the
eruption only a few hundred meters high, and most of the pyroclastic material
will near the vent for building a cinder cone. The name of the eruption is
strombolian eruption. And it is considered mildly explosive.
A pyroclastic
flow occurs when the eruption column collapses, where in gas and tephra rush
down the flanks of the volcano at high speed. This volcanic eruption is the
most dangerous. The produced deposits are called ignimbrites when they contain
pumice or pyroclastic flow deposits when they contain non vesicular blocks.
About 20,000
people were killed in Pompeii in 79 CE by a Plinian eruption and pyroclastic
flow from Vesuvius volcano.
The gas pressure
inside the magma was directed outward instead of upward, a lateral blast
occurred. This occurred on the flanks of a lava dome, a pyroclastic flow called
a glowing avalanche can also result. Sudden exposure of the magma by a
landslide or collapse of a lava dome often results directed blasts.
About 30,000 people
were killed because of this at Mt. Peele volcano in Martinique in 1902.
5: Forecasting volcanic eruption:
Forecasting
volcanic eruption is an important task for scientists and authorities who want
to prevent or mitigate the impacts of volcanic hazards on human lives,
property, and activities. Volcanic eruption forecasting involves monitoring and
analyzing various signals that volcanoes produce before and during their
activity, such as earthquakes, ground deformation, gas emissions, gravity and magnetic
changes, and more. These signals can help scientists to assess the likelihood,
timing, duration, and severity of an eruption, as well as the possible
scenarios that may unfold.
However,
forecasting volcanic eruption is not a simple or straightforward process.
Volcanoes are complex systems that can behave differently depending on their
history, structure, magma composition, and interaction with external factors.
Sometimes, volcanoes may show clear and consistent precursors that indicate an
imminent eruption; other times, they may erupt with little or no warning, or
remain restless for a long time without erupting. Therefore, scientists need to
combine multiple sources of information, such as geologic records, real-time
monitoring data, statistical models, and theoretical understanding of volcanic
processes, to make reliable forecasts.
 |
Figure-5:
How Scientists Forecast Volcanic Eruptions
Forecasting
volcanic eruption is also a challenging task for social and ethical reasons.
Scientists have to communicate their forecasts to authorities and the public in
a clear and understandable way, while acknowledging the uncertainties and
limitations of their methods. They also have to balance the risks and benefits
of issuing a forecast, as it can have significant consequences for the affected
populations, such as evacuation, relocation, economic loss, or psychological
stress. Moreover, they have to deal with the possibility of false alarms or
missed eruptions, which can undermine their credibility and trustworthiness.
Despite these
difficulties, forecasting volcanic eruption is a valuable and necessary
endeavor that can save lives and reduce damages. Recent examples of successful
forecasts include the 1991 eruption of Pinatubo volcano in the Philippines, which
prevented thousands of casualties by timely evacuation; and the ongoing
eruption of Sambaing volcano in Indonesia, which helped authorities to decide
to permanently relocate villages that were in danger. Forecasting volcanic
eruption is an interdisciplinary and collaborative effort that involves
scientists from different fields and countries, as well as volcano
observatories, government agencies, media outlets, and local communities.
6: Hazards of
volcanic eruption:
As volcanic eruption is a natural disaster.
It has. A lot of demerits. Due to volcanic eruption human life as well as
wildlife is greatly disturbed, we can discuss the demerits or hazards of
volcanic eruption through the points given below.
6.1:
Lava flow:
lava is basically molten rock that pours
color our fountains from erupting vent. eat mostly causes destruction to
property. it can cause fire threat, destroy structure, indulge large areas,
sustained lava eruption can generate noxious haze. it is not lethal in general.
6.2:
volcanic ash:
volcanic
ash is the most voluminous product of explosive eruptions. Ash clouds may
promote runoff, provides source for lahars HA, damages crop and fishery, causes
health problem to human and livestock. Ash clouds can also cause damage to
airplane engine. If ash cloud reaches stratosphere, it may affect climate.
volcanic eruption is more lethal hazard.
6.3:
Pyroclastic flows:
pyroclastic flow is a fluid avalanche of rock material,
hot ash and gas. It may destroy by direct impact. The force of pyroclastic flows
impact is extremely destructive. It burns forests, crops, buildings and all
other combustible material. On margins of flow, serious injury may result from
burns and inhalation of hot ashes and gases.
 |
figure-6:pyroclastic
flows
6.4:
Lahars:
lahars can be formed by eruption on to snow on
ice field and breaching of a crater lake. It can bury house and properties,
may clog rivers and overspill banks, can contaminate water supplies. It can
often contain larger boulders and tree trunks. It may trap people, increase
sedimentation rates in local streams and rivers. It can cause destruction
vastly.
6.5:
Landslides:
large masses of earth that fall, slide or
flow rapidly is called landslide. It can be formed by weakening of slopes from
volcanic activity. Volcanic landslides can trigger atmospheric shock wave and
extensive ash fall. It can also trigger volcanic eruptions, can generate
lahars, tsunamis, bury river valleys with rock debris, dam tributary streams to
form lakes.
6.6: Volcanic
gases:
H2O, vapor, CO2, SO2,
HCl, HF, CO, H2, H2S, NH3, SiF4 gas
releases when volcanic eruption occurs. These gases can form acid rain and can
contaminate water. Due to these gases, plants can also be damaged. Prevailing
winds can blow gases thousands of kilometers away which can cause West damage
6.7: Volcanic tsunamis:
Volcanic tsunamis are generated by landslides. Typically, several
waves are generated. It produces very rapid dispersal. Volcanic tsunami
produces high impact.
6.8: Tephra:
Tephra refers to the fragmented volcanic material that is ejected
during and eruption and can include ash, pumice and volcanic bombs. Tephra can
cause respiratory problems and eye irritation. It can damage buildings, roads
and other infrastructure, crops failure and livestock damage can be caused by
tephra. It can cause environmental impacts such as the deposition of particles
in water bodies.
In summary we can say volcanic eruption causes fetal problems to
environment and lives. These damages can be prevented by taking necessary
measures. But it cannot be prevented completely as it is a natural calamity.
7: Prevention of volcanic eruption:
Preventing volcanic eruption is a challenging task since volcanoes
are natural phenomenon that are difficult to predict and control. However,
there are some measures that can be taken to reduce the impact of a volcanic
eruption on human lives and property. Here are some possible prevention
methods:
7.1: Monitoring:
Continuous monitoring of the volcanic activity through various
techniques like seismometers, tilt meters, and gas sensors can provide early
warnings of an impending eruption. This can help in the evacuation of people in
nearby areas and reduce the loss of life.
7.2: Controlling magma flow:
This method involves drilling into the volcano and introducing water
or other materials to cool the magma and preventive from reaching the surface.
This process can also reduce the pressure inside the volcano and minimize the
chances of an eruption.
7.3: Reducing magma volume:
This method involves removing sum of the magma from the volcano to
reduce the pressure inside. This can be done throw a process called
"venting" where some of the magma is released through controlled
explosion or drilled holes.
7.4: Diverting lava flows:
In case of an eruption, hit maybe possible to divert the lava flows
away from populated areas by constructing barriers or redirecting the flow
using heavy equipment.
7.5: Risk assessment and
planning:
The most effective way to prevent the impact of a volcanic eruption
is to have proper planning and risk assessment in place. This can involves
identifying high risk areas, developing evacuation plans, and educating the
local population about the potential dangers and safety measures.
7.6: Early warning system:
One of the most effective ways to reduce the impact of a volcanic
eruption is to have an early warning system in place. To work out this system
we have to monitor signs of a increased seismic activity, gas emissions are
changes in ground deformation.
7.7: Evacuation plans:
In the event of an impending eruption, it is important to have
evacuation plans in place for the affected areas. This can include identifying
safe zones and routes for people to evacuate to, as well as establishing communication
channels to keep people informed.
7.8: Land-use planning:
land use planning can help to
reduce the impact of a volcanic eruption by ensuring that high risk areas are
not developed or inhabited. This can include zoning laws and regulations that
restrict development in areas close to active volcanoes.
7.9: Hazard mapping:
Hazard mapping can help to identify the areas that are most at risk
from a volcanic eruption. This can include mapping the potential path of lava
flows, ash fallout and lahars as well as identifying critical infrastructure
such as roads, bridges and power lines that could be affected.
7.10: Preparedness training:
It is important for community in high-risk areas to be prepared for a
volcanic eruption. This can include training programs that teach people how to
respond in the event of an eruption, as well as providing them with emergency
supplies such as food, water and medical supplies.
It is important to note that none of these methods can guarantee
complete prevention of a volcanic eruption. However, they can be useful in minimizing
the impact and reducing the risk of loss of life and property.
8: Conclusion:
Volcanic eruptions can have significant effects on the environment
and human populations. The eruption can destroy life and property. Preventing
volcanic eruption is not possible, but measures can be taken to mitigate the
impacts of eruptions. Proper preparations for this eruption can save lives of
thousands of people and many animals. In conclusion, while volcanic eruption
cannot be prevented, the understanding of the processes involved, and the
potential risk s can help to minimize the effect on human population and the
environment. Effective communication and preparedness measures are essential to
ensure that the risk s associated with volcanic eruptions are effectively
managed.
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Volcano facts |
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Volcanoes and
Volcanic Eruptions - Tulane University. https://www2.tulane.edu/~sanelson/eens1110/volcanoes.htm
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Contributions:
Jannatul Naeem
- Introduction
- MS Word
Moontaha Tabassum Promi
- Causes
- Conclusion
Afrida Jabin
- Examples
- Volcanic Eruption
Zabin Tasmin
- Demerits
- Prevention
Sagar Mia
- Forecasting
- Cover Page
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