Living in Tectonically Active Locations

Question 1

Reasons for living in tectonically active locations

Answer 1

• Weathered lava produces fertile soils in countries such as Japan and Indonesia
• Volcanoes provide opportunities for economic activity such as tourism (e.g. Iceland, Italy)
• Tectonically active areas produce geothermal power (e.g. Iceland, Indonesia)
• Volcanic eruptions supply minerals such as sulphur, used in a variety of industries

Question 2

Impacts of living in tectonically active locations

Answer 2

One of the contributing factors to people living in locations where there is a volcano is the description of volcanoes as active, dormant or extinct. Clearly there is a different risk perception for areas with an active rather than an extinct volcano. However, the classification is rather simplistic and open to question regarding time perspectives and the definition of active