How Volcanoes Change the World

http://www.planetseed.com/print/93122

Published on PlanetSEED (http://www.planetseed.com) Home > Science > Earth Sciences > How Volcanoes Change the World

Volcanoes: Razing and Renewing the Earth How Volcanoes Change the World Article Home What Is a Volcanic System? Volcano Types Mountainous Volcanoes Supervolcanoes and Floodplains Where Do Volcanic Systems Form? Volcano Formation The Famous Ring of Fire Why Do (and Don’t) Volcanoes Erupt? Viscosity and Gas Can Scientists Forecast an Eruption? The Major Warning Signs More Warning Signs Earth’s Most-Watched Volcanoes How Volcanoes Change the World Most volcanic explosions are local events, but Earth’s volcanic system has produced global changes from the start. In fact, an Earth without volcanoes would be a pretty lonely place.

Digging Deeper Find out more about

who Vulcan was and where he lived.

1 of 5

Very early in the planet’s history, massive and frequent eruptions created the vital conditions for life to exist. The explosions freed carbon dioxide and other gases that were in the ground to form an atmosphere. The atmosphere held in heat and allowed rain to fall. Fueled by the Sun and carbon dioxide—the process of photosynthesis—plants thrived. Volcanoes fertilized those plants by spreading ash, which is rich in nutrients —phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. Today, volcanic lands are still some of the most fertile lands on Earth. Farmers risk living in the shadow of a volcano to yield productive crops—which explains why volcanic areas can be surprisingly populous.

3/12/14 2:36 PM

How Volcanoes Change the World

http://www.planetseed.com/print/93122

In many parts of the world cities and towns have been built close to volcanoes. On the island of Lipari, the volcanoes are Photo courtesy of volunteer Andrew Cutts. relatively quiet, so the residents have built houses further and further up the mountain. As with Anak Krakatau, the “child” of Krakatau, volcanoes are constantly producing new land—new ocean floors, islands, and extensions of coastlines. In Hawaii, as hot lava meets seawater, it explodes into tiny bits, creating beautiful black beaches.

Photo courtesy of volunteer Jenni James Jayne.

2 of 5

The hot lava from Hawaii’s volcanoes is cooled instantly when it reaches the ocean, causing it to explode into little sandy bits. This creates the famous black sand of the island.

Volcanoes also help regulate Earth’s global climate. In contrast to global warming, massive explosions like Krakatau or Pinatubo cool the planet for a few years. They unleash high clouds of ash and dust that circle in the upper atmosphere, blocking some of the Sun’s energy. That ash can disrupt the modern world in other ways. Airplanes flying through clouds of volcanic ash can stall, as the engines get clogged with debris. Because of this, flights may be grounded. Iceland’s Eyjafjallajokull volcano, located under a glacier, erupted on April 13, 2010, and sent large plumes of ash airborne. However, many airplanes fly across Iceland as they travel from Europe to North America, and on to other destinations around the world. Because of the danger of clogged engines, these flights were cancelled for days, forcing major disruptions in world air travel.

3/12/14 2:36 PM

How Volcanoes Change the World

http://www.planetseed.com/print/93122

The products of volcanoes are useful. Volcanoes move diamonds and metals toward the surface. Galeras in Colombia even spit up gold! Countries such as Iceland depend on volcanoes to provide Photo courtesy of volunteer geothermal energy—drawing heat Yoko Morikami. from the natural furnaces below ground. The direction of the ash plume from Japan’s Finally, don’t underestimate the Sakurajima indicates the power of beauty. Volcanoes are larger direction of the winds some of the most stunning natural in that area. wonders on Earth.

Major Volcanic Eruptions in History Date

3 of 5

Volcano

What happened

79 CE Vesuvius, Italy

Eruption of falling ash, pumice, and rocks buries Pompeii, and lahars (mudflows generated by volcanic eruptions) engulf Herculaneum; 3,360 die.

1586

Kelut (Kelud), Java, Indonesia

Lava erupting into the crater lake breaks through side of mountain, causing lahars; approximately 10,000 die.

1669

Mount Etna, Sicily

A series of eruptions generates an enormous lava flow, which destroys 16 villages and a small portion of the city of Catania.

1754

Taal, Philippines

Major eruption destroys the towns of Taal, Sala, Lipa, and Tanauan. The towns are moved to new locations.

1783

Laki, or Lakagigar, Iceland

Eight-month eruption generates poisonous gases and a thick haze that kills crops and livestock, and interrupts fishing on surrounding ocean. Most of Iceland’s livestock die from eating contaminated grass; about one-fourth of the people die from starvation.

3/12/14 2:36 PM

How Volcanoes Change the World

http://www.planetseed.com/print/93122

Print this Page | Send as Email Looking for more information? Ask the Experts

Related Links SEED Science Center The Earth — A Living Planet Explore some of the theories about how continents form and change… The Earth — A Living Planet Glossary & References Climbing in the Andes "When I was 10 some friends and I decided to have a mountain adventure near our home in Ecuador…" Viscosity Explorer (Virtual Experiment) Try this interactive experiment to see how viscosity varies from liquid to liquid and how temperature affects viscosity. Viscosity of Liquids Different liquids have different properties. One of these properties is viscosity, the liquid’s resistance to flowing. Water, milk, and fruit juice are comparatively thin and flow more easily than thicker, more viscous liquids such as honey, corn syrup, shampoo, or liquid soap. Viscosity of Liquids II Different liquids have different properties. One of these properties is viscosity, the liquid’s resistance to flowing. Water, milk, and fruit juice are comparatively thin and flow more easily than thicker, more viscous liquids such as honey, corn syrup, shampoo, or liquid soap. Viscosity and Temperature Temperature affects the viscosity of most liquids. This experiment focuses on the viscosity of shampoo in a bottle as it is heated and cooled. Viscosity and Temperature II Temperature affects the viscosity of most liquids. This experiment focuses on the viscosity of shampoo in a bottle as it is heated and cooled. Viscosity of Liquids Presentation Try these experiments, presented for you in either movie or slide show format.…

Other Web Sites

4 of 5

3/12/14 2:36 PM

How Volcanoes Change the World

http://www.planetseed.com/print/93122

These links go outside the SEED web site. When you click on one it will open in a new browser window. Close that window when you are done (don't use the Back button ) and you will be looking at this page again. Volcanic and Geological Resources Online College Classes provides an extensive collection of volcano-related resources on the Internet. Oregon State University Volcano World Provides basic information and continuously reports the latest volcanic activity around the world. Smithsonian’s Global Volcanism Program Includes a database of facts, figures, and information. National Geographic’s interactive map of Decade Volcanoes Explore the 16 volcanoes that have been designated as Decade Volcanoes by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior. How Volcanoes Work—The Eruption of Paricutin The eruption of the Paricutin scoria cone from 1943 to 1952 marks the first time scientists were able to observe the complete life cycle of a volcano, from birth to extinction. CyberSleuth Kids Internet search guide for the K-12 student.

Earth Sciences Source URL: http://www.planetseed.com/relatedarticle/how-volcanoes-change-world

5 of 5

3/12/14 2:36 PM