Geography – 2. The natural environment | e-Consult

Volcanic eruptions can have significant and far-reaching impacts on both people and the environment. These impacts can be both immediate and long-term.

Impacts on People:

• Loss of Life: Pyroclastic flows, lahars (mudflows), and explosive eruptions can cause significant loss of life.
• Damage to Property: Lava flows, ashfall, and pyroclastic flows can destroy homes, infrastructure, and agricultural land.
• Health Problems: Volcanic ash can cause respiratory problems, eye irritation, and skin rashes. Gases released during eruptions (e.g., sulfur dioxide) can also be harmful.
• Displacement and Migration: Eruptions often force people to evacuate their homes, leading to displacement and migration.
• Economic Impacts: Volcanic eruptions can disrupt tourism, agriculture, and other industries, leading to economic losses.

Impacts on the Environment:

• Air Quality: Volcanic eruptions release large amounts of ash, gases (e.g., sulfur dioxide), and aerosols into the atmosphere, affecting air quality and climate.
• Water Quality: Ashfall can contaminate water supplies, and lahars can pollute rivers and lakes.
• Soil Fertility: Volcanic ash can enrich soil with nutrients, making it fertile for agriculture in the long term. However, initial ashfall can be destructive.
• Climate Change: Large eruptions can release aerosols into the stratosphere, which can reflect sunlight and cause temporary cooling of the planet.
• Ecosystem Disruption: Volcanic eruptions can destroy ecosystems and disrupt biodiversity.