Volcanic eruptions can cause massive destruction through volcanic materials like pyroclasts and lava, but can also create fertile soil. Additionally, volcanic areas experience landslides and pollution from ash plumes that can affect weather globally. However, volcanoes also provide benefits like precious stones and minerals, tourism opportunities, and geothermal energy.

1. Landforms at
Different Plate Boundaries
(C) Volcanoes:
 Risks i. Massive destruction by
volcanic materials
ii. Landslides
iii. Pollution
iv. Effects on weather

2. Massive destruction by volcanic materials
• Pyroclasts (ash, rock fragments &
volcanic bombs) can damage property
• Lava (500°C to 1,400°C) can burn the
areas that it flow through
• Low-silica lava moves rapidly & flows
over long distances can cause damage
to larger areas
• Inhaling hot ash and gases can result
in serious injury/death

3. • Due to structural collapse of a volcanic cone during volcanic eruption
• Can obstruct flow of rivers causing floods, blocked roads.
• Can bury villages and farmlands
Landslides

4. • Thick plumes of ash can eventually settle on the ground / block sunlight and suffocate
crops
• Can cause severe respiratory problems for people & animals
• Release of gases (e.g. CO2, SO2,H2 and CO) is harmful to people
• Volcanic ash clouds containing tiny particles of glass, sand & rock can pose serious
danger to aircraft and engines.
Pollution

5. • Far reaching effects of
ejected ash particles
• Eruption at one location can
affect many other regions
• E.g. Eyjafjallajökull in
Iceland in 2010
Pollution

6. • Fine ash particles carried by
wind over thousands of
kilometers
• Can impact areas further
away from eruption source
• Temporary lowering of global
temperatures
• E.g. Mt Pinatubo, Philippines,
1991
Effects on weather

7. Landforms at
Different Plate Boundaries
(C) Volcanoes:
 Benefits i. Fertile soil
ii. Precious stones & minerals
iii. Tourism
iv. Geothermal energy

8. • Lava and ash from volcanic
eruptions break down to form
fertile volcanic soils
• Favourable to agriculture
• E.g. cultivation of tea, coffee
& rice in Java & Bali, Indonesia
Fertile soil

9. • Precious stones & minerals can be extracted from volcanic areas after millions
of years
• E.g. diamonds (e.g. at Kimberley in South Africa)
Precious stones and minerals

10. • Many people visit volcanoes to hike
and camp in the area/enjoy the scenery
• Volcanic areas are rich in history &
people can visit these areas to learn
more about them.
• E.g. the ruins of
Pompeii, Italy
(Mount Vesuvius
in erupted 79CE)
Pompeii before eruption
Tourism
Pompeii today

11. Geothermal energy
• Derived from the heat in the earth’s
crust
• When groundwater comes in
contact with hot rocks beneath the
surface, it heats up and erupts as
hot water/steam
• Hot water/steam can then be
harnessed to drive turbines to
produce electricity
• E.g. in Iceland – homes are heated
by volcanic steam

12. Geothermal energy