Volcanoes form when magma reaches the Earth's surface causing eruptions. The document discusses where volcanoes occur, the effects of volcanic eruptions, and provides safety tips for before, during, and after a volcanic eruption including listening to official information, having an emergency plan, seeking shelter indoors, and cleaning up volcanic ash safely. The document also notes that over 80% of the world's surface is of volcanic origin.

1. VOLCANO
Malaysia 8 October 2012
What if Volcanoes hit
malaysia?
VOLCANOES IN MALAYSIA
What is a volcano?
Volcanoes form when magma reaches the Earth's surface,
causing eruptions of lava and ash. They occur at
destructive (compressional) and constructive (tensional)
plate boundaries.
The immediate effects of volcanic eruptions can be
devastating, but they may be beneficial in the long term.
1. Magma rises through cracks or weaknesses in the
Earth's crust.
2. Pressure builds up inside the Earth.
3. When this pressure is released, eg as a result of plate
Mauna Loa
movement, magma explodes to the surface causing a
The largest volcano on earth is
volcanic eruption.
Mauna loa on Hawaii's Big
4. The lava from the eruption cools to form new crust.
5. Over time, after several eruptions, the rock builds up Island. It is a massive shield
and a volcano forms. volcano constructed by
countless lava flows. When
measured from the base to the
top, the pile of lavas measures
[1]

2. Where do volcano mostly occur?
VOLCANOES Volcanoes occur inland on the continental
plates due to the subduction of an
oceanic plate, or at weak points in the
oceanic plates where magma is being
heated from below. They can occur
anywhere there is liquid rock (magma)
welling up into spaces in the rocks above
them. Classic cone volcanoes form from
ejected ash and lava when magma
reaches the surface of a plate.
Did you know
that more than 80% of
the world is volcanic
origin, both sea and
floor?
[2]

3. BEFORE AND DURING THE VOLCANO ERUPTION
BEFORE A VOLCANIC ERUPTION
1 Find out about the volcanic risk in your community. Ask your local council about emergency plans and how
they will warn you of a volcanic eruption.
2 Practice your evacuation plan with members of the household.
3 Develop a Household Emergency Plan. Assemble and maintain your Emergency Survival Items for your home as
well as a portable getaway kit.
4 Include your pets and livestock in your emergency plan.
WHEN A VOLCANIC ERUPTION THREATENS
1 Listen to your local radio stations as emergency management officials will be broadcasting the most
appropriate advice for your community and situation.
2 Put your emergency plan into action.
3 If you have a disability or need assistance, make contact with your support network and keep informed of civil
defense advice.
4 Put all machinery inside a garage or shed, or cover with large tarpaulins to protect them from volcanic ash.
5 Bring animals and livestock into closed shelters to protect them from volcanic ash.
6 Protect sensitive electronics and do not uncover until the environment is totally ash-free.
7 Water supplies can be affected so it is a good idea to store drinking water in containers and fill bathtubs and
sinks with water.
8 Check on friends and neighbors who may require special assistance.
DURING A VOLCANIC ERUPTION
1 Listen to the radio for civil defense advice and follow instructions.
2 If outside at the time of eruption, seek shelter in a car or a building. If caught in volcanic ash falls, wear a dust
mask or use a handkerchief or cloth over your nose and mouth.
3 Stay indoors as volcanic ash is a health hazard, especially if you have respiratory difficulties such as asthma or
bronchitis.
4 When indoors, close all windows and doors to limit the entry of volcanic ash. Place damp towels at thresholds.
5 Do not tie up phone lines with non-emergency calls.
6 If you have to go outside use protective gear such as masks and goggles and keep as much of your skin
covered as possible. Wear eyeglasses, not contact lenses as these can cause corneal abrasions.
7 Disconnect drainpipes/downspouts from gutters to stop drains clogging. If you use a rainwater collection
system for your water supply, disconnect the tank.
8 Stay out of designated restricted zones.
AFTER A VOLCANIC ERUPTION
1 Listen to your local radio stations for civil defense advice and follow instructions.
2 Stay indoors and away from volcanic ash fall areas as much as possible.
3 When it is safe to go outside, keep your gutters and roof clear of ash as heavy ash deposits can collapse your
roof.
4 If there is a lot of ash in the water supply, do not use your dishwasher or washing machine.
5 Avoid driving in heavy ash fall as it stirs up ash that can clog engines and cause serious abrasion damage to
your vehicle.
6 Keep animals indoors where possible, wash away ash on their paws or skin to keep them from ingesting the
ash, and provide clean drinking water.
7 Use a mask or a damp cloth and eye protection when cleaning up. Moisten the ash with a sprinkler before
cleaning.
8 Look for and report broken utility lines to appropriate authorities.
9 If your property is damaged, take notes and photographs for insurance purposes. If you rent your property,
[3]

4. BIBLIOGRAPHY
http://www.getthru.govt.nz/web/
GetThru.nsf/web/BOWN-7GZVAU
http://library.thinkquest.org/
TQ0311160/volintro.htm
http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/volc/
intro.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/
gcsebitesize/geography/
natural_hazards/
volcanoes_rev1.shtml