The Effects of Volcanoes on the Environment - Research Paper Example

The Effects of Volcanoes on the Environment The most spectacular and violent changes to earth are caused by volcanoes. The powerful explosions caused by an exploding volcano can bring about changes for many kilometers around it while the small drops of sulfuric acid expelled by the volcano can travel thousands of kilometers into the atmosphere changing the temperature of the whole climate in the short term. These volcanic eruptions affect the people living in the vicinity of the volcano so much that they mostly need to migrate to safer lands leaving their cities, towns and lives behind. People living farther away too have to witness damage to their industries, crops and transportation by ash and flooding (Tilling, 1989). The effect of volcanoes on environment has been much discussed among scientists, but their exact effect on global environment still needs to be understood. There is no denying that volcanoes can cause many changes in their own environment. (Sadler et al, 1999) The effects of volcanic activity on atmosphere, including weather and climate, have been greatly debated among scientists. It was during the classical times that a connection between atmosphere and volcanic activity was established. Benjamin Franklin first related the two phenomena when he wrote about an eruption of an Icelandic volcano and the appalling “dry fog” over Europe in the summer of 1783. Since then, many scientists and researchers have deeply studies the influences of volcanic activity over earth’s climate and weather. They have found many new facts that have undoubtedly brought a new understanding of environmental issues such as global warming (Martí et al, 2005). Volcanic eruptions have long-term effects on atmosphere and land. Sometimes their effects can be studied many miles away from volcano site for many years to come. An example of this is the Mount Pinatubo eruption in 1991 that caused the largest atmospheric disturbance since the eruption of Mount Krakatau in 1883.The gas plume of Mount Pinatubo was 21 miles high and 250 miles wide. Moreover, this was measured within two hours of the eruption. The volcano expelled 15 to 30 million tons of sulfur dioxide. This has been associated with changes in the ozone layer and cooler temperature immediately following the eruption in large parts of earth. (Martí et al, 2005) Volcanoes release a multitude of gases into the atmosphere, top among these is water vapor (H2O) followed by carbon dioxide (CO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). Gasses other than these are released in smaller quantities; these include hydrogen (H2), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen chloride (HCL), hydrogen fluoride (HF), and helium (He).The release of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) can lead to acid rains in areas closer to the volcano. Once in the atmosphere, this gas reacts with sunlight, oxygen and dust to form sulfate aerosols and sulfuric acid. The acid usually rains down and the aerosol produces a hazy atmospheric condition called Vog. These aerosols also reflect the radiation from sun back into space, lowering the temperature of earth temporarily. The Mount Pinatubo eruption mentioned earlier produced the largest sulfur dioxide cloud ever observed. Over the next three years after the explosion, the earth cooled down by 1.3 degrees. The Laki-fissure eruption of 1784 had similar consequences as Europe and North American countries reported same drops in temperature. These volcanic sulfur aerosols also speed up ozone depletion by creating of CFC or chlorofluorocarbon pollution along with chlorine monoxide. The carbon dioxide released in the atmosphere gets to low-lying areas, as it is heavier than air. Here, it can settle into the soil becoming a health hazard for the locals making the soil unfit for growing food crops. The fluoride released from volcanoes can settle on plants and vegetation killing whoever feeds on them. Volcanoes also cause complete destruction in areas around them by forming pyroclastic flows which are a mixture of hot dry rocks and gases moving at high speeds. These destroy on impact and have been known to bury whole towns under rock debris. When encountered with ice and snow, these react to form lahars, which are just as deadly as pyroclastic flows (Tilling, 1989; Wolfe, 2000). There are approximately 500 active volcanoes on earth and 10 to 40 volcanic eruptions each year. Volcanic eruptions can cause earthquakes and tsunamis as well, changing the geography of an area forever. These eruptions are not only harmful for the environment but the health of the exposed people. The ashes from a volcano can cause respiratory problems and damage eyes and skin. Waste disposal and water supply problems rise exponentially in affected areas making diseases more common place. These issues present a logistical nightmare after the volcanoes have erupted but many can be prevented if the right safety measures are taken in timely manner. Volcanoes are feared for their destructive power but they also present some benefits. In the long run, volcanic output makes the surrounding land more mineral rich. This is why farming communities have existed in the shadows of volcanoes for many thousands of years. Mineral rock has “hard fertilizers” that are extremely beneficial for plants. Manganese and Magnesium are replenished into the soil exclusively by volcanoes. Another benefit of volcanic activity is the precious stones and metals brought to surface by it. Diamonds, copper, gold and silver are brought to surface along with other precious minerals (Tilling, 1989). Volcanoes are an important part of earth’s landscape. These are extremely powerful natural phenomena with the power to destroy huge areas and cause unimaginable destruction. At the same time, these bring about environmental changes that can affect the whole world in many ways. The eruptions can disrupt air traffic and cause draught and temperature changes in many parts of the world. These eruptions ca not be prevented but it is possible to decrease their impact by timely planning and education of those who live around volcanoes. It is quite fortunate that scientists can forewarn if eruptions are about to happen. Volcanoes show preliminary signs of unrest that, if detected and analyzed on time, can provide enough time to plan response and mitigation measures. It is important to monitor volcanoes so that those who live nearby can be notified on time so they can take proper precautions to safeguard their lives and property from volcanic disruptions (Tilling, 1989). References Martí, J., & Ernst, G. (2005). Volcanoes and the environment. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. Sadler, J. P., & Grattan, J. P. (January 01, 1999).Volcanoes as agents of past environmental change.Global and Planetary Change, 21, 1, 181. Tilling, R. I., & International Geological Congress. (1989).Volcanic hazards. Washington, D.C: American Geophysical Union. Wolfe, J. (2000, September 05). Volcanoes-climate change. NASA.Earth Observatory. Retrieved from: http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/Volcano/ Read More