Casestudy: Living with volcanoes, Italy

Question 1

What is Italy’s tectonic setting?

Answer 1

It is complicated, with multiple fracture zones in the Mediterranean where the African and Eurasian plates meet.

Question 2

What are the most active volcanoes in Italy?

Answer 2

• Mt Etna
• Mt Vesuvius

Question 3

How often does Mt Etna erupt?

Answer 3

Erupts on average every 1-3 years, however there can be smaller and more frequent eruptions that happen multiple times throughout a single year.

Question 4

How often does Mt Vesuvius erupt and what are the characteristics of this?

Answer 4

• Mt Vesuvius has a less predictable eruption pattern, thought to have a major eruption every 30-40 years, however it hasn’t erupted since 1944.
• Mt Vesuvius tends to have very explosive eruptions, being dangerous due to a high population density nearby.

Question 5

Give 3 reasons as to why people live near volcanoes in Italy

Answer 5

• Fertile soil.
  Fertile soil produced by volcanic activity makes Italian land good for agriculture of olives, citrus and grapes. For example, Mt Etna is renowned for it’s wine production due to the grapes grown in volcanic soil.
• Economic opportunities
  The tourism industry, especially around Mt Vesuvius where there is the archeological site of Pompeii benefit from the allure of Vesuvius in sightseeing, historical and adventure tourism.
• Proximity to urban centres.
  In Italy, many cities are built in close proximity to volcanoes due to having ties with cultural heritage. This offers residents access to jobs, services and infrastructure which makes living near volcanoes desireable.

Question 6

Give 2 social impacts of eruptions on Italian people living near volcanoes.

Answer 6

• Displacement and common evacuation.
  Living near volcanoes disturbs daily routine as there are regular evacuations, especially around Mt Vesuvius as 3 million people live nearby.
  In 2001, over 10k people were evacuated due to Mt Etna.
• Health risks
  As a result from Mt Etnas 2001 eruption, significant respiratory issues were caused in nearby Catania - leading to hospital admission.
• Potential for death off putting.
  As seen historically in Pompeii, many residents fear an explosive event and emigrate.
• Potential for goodness.
  Living with volcanoes creates solidarity and social cohesion, seen in the community coming together to rebuild alongside volunteers from neighboring areas after Etnas 2002 eruption.

Question 7

What are the economic impacts of volcanic eruptions on Italy?

Answer 7

• Damage and destruction of property.
  Mount Etna’s 2002 eruption caused over €100 million in damages.
• Agricultural loss.
  On a short term, crop yield is disturbed by ash which lowers what is produced, however in the long term, ash enhances the fertility of soil
• Industry sensitive to volcanic change
  The tourism industry faces temporary loss of income when volcanic events happen, this is especially the case in Catania when local businesses took a hit in 2018 due to tourists being restricted from the area.
• Cost of relief and reconstruction
  Italy spends millions on disaster response, with local government agencies spending around €1.3 million annually on volcano monitoring and emergency plans to modify vulnerability and predict.

Question 8

What are the environmental impacts of volcanic eruptions on Italy?

Answer 8

• Air pollution.
  Mount Etna, being the more active volcano, emits large quantities of sulfur dioxide - which affects local air quality and visibility in Catania.
  Etnas significant 2002 eruption caused the cancellation of flights from the extent of the ash cloud.
• Acid rain.
  As there is common emittance of sulfur dioxide - the combination of sulfur dioxide and water leads to sulfuric acid which pollutes the biosphere and can destruct ecosystems.
• Landslides and mudflows.
  In 2001, Mt Etnas eruption caused lahars due to heavy rainfall mixing with ash on the summit that flooded nearby villages and agricultural land.
• Positive impact on soil
  The positive environmental impact is that it creates fertile soil, which promotes the health of the biosphere and is considered the most fertile in Europe.

Question 9

What are the political impacts of volcanic eruptions on Italy?

Answer 9

• Intervention of volcanic management sectors.
  In response to the frequent volcanic activity in Italy, the organization The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) monitors volcanic activity across Italy, including the big two Vesuvius and Etna.
• International aid.
  Italy have a humanitarian connection to the EU when concerning volcanoes, receiving international aid through it for recovery efforts.