Millions of people live in areas threatened by volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Some reasons include fertile soil from volcanic ash makes the land ideal for profitable farming. Tourism to volcanic areas provides opportunities to establish businesses like hotels, generating income. Volcanic regions are also rich in mineral deposits, attracting companies and people to extract resources. Additionally, land is relatively inexpensive, sometimes forcing poorer people to settle there. However, volcanic activity can also release harmful gases and injure or kill large numbers of people.

1. Why live in an earthquake zone.. ...or close to a volcano?

3. Reasons When volcanic ash and lava weather it makes fertile soil- making it ideal for growing crops which produce a high yield. Tourism to volcanic areas e.g. Mt Etna means local people can establish businesses e.g. hotels to make money from the visitors Volcanic areas are often rich in mineral deposits- this means that companies and people are attracted to settle close by- to extract and exploit the material. Land is relatively cheap in some volcanic areas- meaning that poorer people are forced to settle there.

4. Summary There are many reasons for and against living in tectonic areas Noxious gases can be released which can harm human health. Minerals can be mined- creating jobs and income Fear of living in the area and cost of rebuilding Geothermal springs can heat water and are a tourist attraction Large numbers of people can be seriously injured Geothermal power can be generated When an eruption or quake occurs people can be killed Tourism brings people to the area- thus creating employment Volcanic eruptions can cause other disasters e.g. lahars Fertile soil makes for profitable farming Cons Pros