La Palma eruption 2021 Flashcards
Case study knowledge
What caused the 2021 La Palma volcanic eruption?
The eruption was caused by the buildup of magma beneath La Palma, a volcanic hotspot island in the Canary Islands.
What were the local impacts of the eruption on La Palma?
The eruption destroyed over 3,000 buildings, covered 1,200 hectares of land with lava, and displaced thousands of residents due to lava flows and ashfall.
Which volcano was responsible for the eruption?
The eruption occurred from the Cumbre Vieja volcano, a fissure-type volcano located on the southern part of La Palma island.
How did the eruption impact agriculture on the island?
The eruption damaged banana plantations, which are a major source of income for the island, and the ash and lava destroyed farmland and irrigation systems.
What were the global environmental impacts of the eruption?
The eruption released large amounts of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution and creating acid rain in nearby regions
How did the Spanish government respond to the crisis?
The Spanish government declared La Palma a disaster zone and provided emergency financial aid, relocation assistance, and reconstruction funds to affected residents.
What role did international aid and scientific monitoring play?
International volcanologists and scientists monitored the eruption closely, using satellite data and drones, while the EU provided funds for disaster relief.
What are the long-term consequences of the La Palma eruption?
Long-term consequences include significant economic losses, ongoing reconstruction efforts, and geological changes, with new land formed along the coastline due to lava flows.
