VOLCANIC
ERUPTIONS – GEOGRAPHY
News:
Hawaii volcano Kilauea
erupts after nearly two months of quiet
What's
in the news?
●
Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes
in the world, began erupting after a two-month pause, displaying glowing lava
that is a safe distance from people and structures in a national park on the
Big Island.
Key
takeaways:
●
The Hawaii Volcano Observatory said the
eruption was observed in the afternoon at the summit of Kilauea.
●
The observatory said gases released by the
eruption will cause volcanic smog downwind of Kilauea. People living near the
park should try to avoid volcanic particles spewed into the air by the
eruption, the observatory said.
Volcanic
Eruptions:
●
Hot lava and gas are released from a
volcano, often explosively, called a Volcanic Eruption.
●
A “glowing avalanche,” which occurs when
recently erupted lava slides down the flanks of a volcano, is the most
hazardous type of eruption.
Types
of volcanic eruption:
Based
on the lifetime of volcanic eruption:
1. Active Volcanoes: Volcanoes that are currently erupting or are
likely to do so at some point in the future are considered active volcanoes.
2. Dormant Volcanoes: Volcanoes that are categorized as being dormant
are ones that are not anticipated to erupt anytime soon.
3. Extinct Volcanoes: Volcanoes that are extinct are ones whose
eruption is not anticipated by anyone. Nobody is aware of the frequency of
these volcanoes.
Based
on the intensity of eruption:
1.
Shield Volcanoes: The size of these volcanoes is greater
than that of any currently active volcano on Earth’s surface. These volcanoes
are composed of basalt. In the event that water gets inside the vent, it will
explode.
2. Composite Volcanoes: The eruptions of lavas that are cooler and
more viscous than basalt give rise to composite volcanoes.
3. Caldera: The most explosive volcanoes on the earth are regarded as
calderas. Most of these volcanoes are explosive. They’re more likely to
collapse in on themselves during an eruption than to build something.
4. Flood Basalt Provinces: Volcanoes in the Flood Basalt Province spew
fluid lava that can readily travel great distances. Thick basalt lava flows
have blanketed many areas of the world.
Causes
of volcanic eruption:
Top
three causes of volcanic eruption:
●
The magma’s buoyancy.
●
The magma’s expelled gasses are under
pressure.
●
Pressure on the chamber lid rising.
Impact
of volcanic eruption:
1.
Soil formation: Rock is formed on the surface of the
Earth by volcanic eruptions.
2. Alteration of climate: Climate is impacted by gases and dust
particles released into the atmosphere during volcanic eruptions.
3. Global warming: Over millions of years, during periods of extremely
high volcanism, volcanoes have also contributed to global warming by releasing
greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
4. Affect air circulation in the upper atmosphere: This is because
eruptions in the tropics can affect the climate in both hemispheres because of
the patterns of air circulation.
5. Loss of life: Many human lives were lost due to high level volcanic
eruption.
6. Health concerns: After a volcanic eruption include infectious
disease, respiratory illness, burns, injuries from falls, and vehicle accidents
related to the slippery, hazy conditions caused by ash.
7. Deterioration in water quality: Further effects are the
deterioration of water quality, fewer periods of rain, crop damages, and the
destruction of vegetation.
WAY
FORWARD:
1.
Early warning system: Volcanoes should be thoroughly studied
and their timeline of eruption should be noted clearly.
2. Volcano prone zones: Volcano eruption prone zones should be clearly
demarcated.
3. Awareness promotion: Petroleum should be given proper awareness
about the volcanic eruption and capacity building of emergency soldiers should
be increased.