01 plate tectonics (benefits of living in volcanic eruption zones)

Question 1

fertile soil

Answer 1

lava and ash from eruptions break down to form fertile volcanic soil as volcanic rocks are rich in minerals which plants require for growth. hence, soil in java and bali, indonesia support the cultivation of crops such as tea, coffee and rice which in turn supports the rural population living there.

pompeii, italy has built on a volcanic spur, 25-40m above sea level which allowed the soil to be well-drained. coupled with lava and ash from mount vesuvius, the soil was fertile and suitable for growing crop such as grapes.

Question 2

tourism

Answer 2

in 79 AD, mount vesuvius erupted and buried everyone living in the town of pompeii and more. pompeii sees around 3 million people a year to see the remains, buildings, mosaics and pottery that is still intact due to layers of ash.

Question 3

precious stones

Answer 3

precious stones such as diamond which is heated and pressurised carbon cool in magma pipes beneath earth’s surface and can be found in volcanic rocks as well. diamonds are used in jewellery, scientific research and as industrial tools such as drills. currently, the volcanic rocks in kimberley, south africa is the world’s richest source of diamonds.

Question 4

geothermal energy

Answer 4

iceland’s eyjafjallajokull supples around 70% of iceland’s geothermal energy which is used for heating of homes after conversion into electricity.