Benefits of living in volcanic areas

Question 1

Benefit 1: Fertile Soil

Answer 1

Lava and ash can break down to form volcanic soil which is the richest soil on earth and is the most favorable for agriculture.

Question 2

Examples of fertile soil

Answer 2

• The volcanic soils of Java in Indonesia supported the cultivation of crops such as tea, coffee, and rice.
• Despite continuous use, the soils are more fertile than most non-volcanic areas of Indonesia.

Question 3

Benefit 2: Precious stones and minerals

Answer 3

• Volcanic rocks can be rich in precious stones and minerals, which are extracted after millions of years.
• When the upper layers of volcanic rocks are eroded, the precious stones and minerals can be extracted.

Question 4

Examples of precious stones and minerals

Answer 4

• The old volcanic rocks at Kimberly in South Africa are one of the world’s largest sources of diamonds, which is an example of a precious stone found in volcanic rocks.

Question 5

Benefit 3: Tourism

Answer 5

• Volcanic areas allow you to hike and camp in the area or simply to enjoy the scenery.
• Volcanic areas are rich in history and people would visit these areas to learn more about them.

Question 6

Example of Tourism

Answer 6

• People are attracted to the Roman town of Pompeii, Italy as it was buried by layers of ash from the nearby Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE.
• Almost 3 million people visit the area every year.

Question 7

Benefit 4: Geothermal energy

Answer 7

• It is derived from the heat in the earth’s crust.
• When groundwater comes into contact with the hot rocks beneath the surface, the water heats up and erupts as hot water or steam.
• The hot water or steam can then be harnessed to drive turbines and produce electricity.

Question 8

Example of geothermal energy

Answer 8

• Most of Iceland’s electricity is generated from geothermal power because of the large number of volcanoes in the country.
• Over 70% of homes in Iceland are heated by volcanic steam.