benefits of living near volcanoes

Question 1

‘why do people still live near volcanoes?

Answer 1

economic reasons
- fertile soils for agriculture
- tourism (geysers and hot springs)
- mining of minerals, sulphur - employment opportunities
- poverty: no means to relocate
- energy resource
- harnessing of geothermal power for development

social reasons
- cultural rootedness
- sense of belonging - generations live there

Question 2

how does one benefit from fertile soil near volcanoes

Answer 2

• lava that has weathered down to form soils and ash that has settled on the ground is rich in nutrients such as magnesium and potassium to aid plant growth
• thin layers of ash can act as natural fertilisers, producing increased harvest in the years following an eruption
• people have a livelihood by earning an income through the sale of crops
• as food is grown, provides access to food and food security

Question 3

example of agriculture supporting livelihoods near volcano

Answer 3

• around a quarter of a million people live within a 10km radius of the Mount Merapi volcano in Indonesia
• majority of them living near the volcano work as farmers
• despite its frequent eruptions, many people continue to live on the volcano’s flanks to farm the fertile soil.

Question 4

how does one benefit from mining for resources near volcano

Answer 4

• working as sulphur miners is employment for people to earn income
• sulphur is sold for revenue
• industrial uses include making fertilisers, disinfectant and black gun powder for fireworks

Question 5

example of sulphur mining supporting livelihoods near volcano

Answer 5

• In Mt. Ijen, Indonesia, sulphur mining is an attractive job
• despite the brutal conditions in the volcano and the dangers associated with exposure to sulphur (inhalation can cause suffocation, frequent contact can cause rashes and blisters), many people choose to work as sulphur miners as it pays better than other jobs in the area (such as farming)

Question 6

how does one benefit from tourism near volcanoes

Answer 6

• tourism industry makes use of scenic beauty and attractions provided by volcanic landscape, such as volcano itself and hot springs
• people can be employed as hotel employees and tour guides or earn a livelihood by running businesses like cafes near these attractions
• hot spring operators earn revenue from providing tourists with onsens and hotels are booked based on the quality of their hot springs
• examples of recreational activities people do in volcanic regions include taking a hike, a hot spring bath and watching scenery

Question 7

example of volcano tourism supporting livelihoods near volcanoes

Answer 7

• in 2013, over 1.5 million people visited the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park which generated around $125 million dollars in revenue
• majority of visitor spending was on lodging and food and beverage, helping to sustain local communities and businesses which supported around 1500 jobs

Question 8

how does one benefit from geothermal energy given out of a volcano

Answer 8

• geothermal energy is heat within the earth, and a renewable energy source since it is continuously produced inside the earth
• people use it for bathing, heating buildings and generating electricity
• generation of electricity from geothermal energy is necessary for industrial and commercial development as well as the use of electrical appliances
• geothermal power stations used to harvest geothermal energy provide revenue for the economy and jobs for people living in volcanic areas, helping them earn a living and improving their livelihood

Question 9

example of geothermal energy supporting livelihoods

Answer 9

In Iceland, geothermal power stations such as the Svartsengi geothermal power station near Grindavik, Iceland generate 25% of the country’s total electricity production. The Hellisheidi geothermal power plant in Iceland generates $60 million annually, and created 35 jobs.

Question 10

why are people unwilling to relocate away from a volcanic region

Answer 10

• attachment to a place (indonesia)
• protection of their livelihoods (indonesia)
• capacity to adapt to natural hazards and reduced perception of risk it leads to (indonesia)
• lack the financial resources to do so (hawaii)
• cultural / spiritual attachment / rootedness

Question 11

example of people unwilling to leave

Answer 11

during an eruption of Mount Merapi, Maridjan, the ‘spiritual keeper’ of Mount Merapi refused to leave his home when officials came to tell him to move to safety. He refused to do so as he was trying to pacify the spirits’ brewing anger. when burning clouds of ash descended, he and those who had come to reason with him were killed