Case study-Tongo, Australia-2022-volcano Flashcards
Volcanic Eruption
When was it?
15th January 2022
What was the VEI?
5
What type of plate boundary is Tongo located on?
A convergent plate boundary
Which tectonic plates are involved?
The Pacific Plate and the Indo-Australian Plate
How many deaths were reported due to the eruption?
At least 6 confirmed deaths.
What were the primary impacts of the eruption?
Massive explosion producing a significant ash cloud
Tsunami waves reaching up to 15 meters high
Damage to homes and infrastructure in Tonga
What were some secondary impacts of the eruption?
Contamination of drinking water due to ashfall
Disruption to communication and transport links
Ongoing health issues from ash exposure
What were the social impacts of the eruption?
Displacement of thousands of residents
Loss of community and cultural heritage
What were the economic impacts of the eruption?
Disruption to agriculture, particularly root crops and fisheries
Economic decline due to loss of tourism
What were the environmental impacts of the eruption?
Destruction of marine habitats due to tsunamis
Changes to local ecosystems from ash deposition
Increased erosion and land degradation
What were the political impacts of the eruption?
International aid response and coordination
Increased focus on disaster preparedness and resilience
Criticism of government response capabilities
Is Tongo considered a vulnerable and risky location?
Yes, Tongo is vulnerable due to its location in a tectonically active region with a history of volcanic eruptions
What are the risk factors associated with eruptions in Tongo?
Proximity to tectonic plate boundaries
Lack of infrastructure to withstand tsunamis
High population density in coastal areas
Limited preparedness for natural disasters
