Case study-La Palma-2021-Volcano Flashcards
Volcanic eruption
When was the La Palma eruption ?
19th September 2021
What was the VEI of the 2021 La Palma eruption?
1
What type of plate boundary is La Palma located on?
Its on a hotspot
Which tectonic plates are involved?
The African Plate is the primary tectonic plate affecting the Canary Islands.
How many deaths were reported due to the La Palma eruption?
None!
What were the primary impacts of the eruption?
Lava flows destroying homes and infrastructure
Ashfall affecting air quality and agriculture
Evacuations of thousands of residents
What were some secondary impacts of the eruption?
Displacement of approximately 7,000 people
Economic losses in agriculture and tourism sectors
Long-term environmental changes in the affected area
What were the social impacts of the eruption?
Disruption of community life and support networks
Increased reliance on government and humanitarian aid
What were the economic impacts of the eruption?
Estimated damages exceeding €1 billion
Destruction of agricultural land, particularly banana plantations
Decline in tourism revenue due to safety concerns
What were the environmental impacts of the eruption?
Alteration of landforms and landscapes due to lava flows
Impact on local ecosystems and habitats
Ash deposits affecting soil and water quality
What were the political impacts of the eruption?
Government response to the crisis and recovery efforts
Increased focus on disaster preparedness and resilience
International aid and support from various organizations
Is La Palma considered a vulnerable and risky location?
Yes, La Palma is vulnerable due to its geological activity and the potential for future eruptions
What are the risk factors associated with eruptions in La Palma?
Proximity to volcanic activity
Limited infrastructure for rapid evacuation
High population density in vulnerable areas
Economic dependence on agriculture and tourism
