Dealing with Environmental Hazards - Volcanoes

Question 1

Give examples of places where people live near volcanoes?

Answer 1

Mount Etna, Italy.

Mount Mayon, Philippines.

Question 2

Why do people live near volcanoes?

Answer 2

Good farmland.

Reliable water supplies.

Question 3

Describe the options and consequences for dealing with environmental hazards.

Answer 3

1. Do nothing - disaster occurs.
2. Protect society from hazard - not always feasible.
3. Avoid hazard - not always feasible, exacerbate other problems.
4. Live with hazards+risks - Livelihood integrated with environmental threats and opportunities.

Question 4

What is the do nothing approach?

Answer 4

Accepting that volcanic eruptions will happen.
Depending on volcano this can be more or less feasible.
With risk known and willingness to accept consequences, do nothing could arguably be the right choice.

Question 5

Give examples of protecting the society?

Answer 5

Strengthening roofs from tephra falls.
Building structural defence against lahars.
Pumping sea water on to lava.
Diverting lava.

Question 6

Which place has diverted lava?

Answer 6

Mt Etna.

Question 7

Give a negative about protecting the society?

Answer 7

Not always feasible.

Large pyroclaustic flows and lava flows are challenging to stop/redirect.