Mount Merapi- LIDC Case Study Flashcards
What is the tectonic situation in Indonesia?
Indonesia is a tectonic hotspot with 130 active volcanoes and 5 million people living in dangerous areas.
What was the worst volcanic eruption in Indonesia’s history?
The worst eruption was Mount Tambora in 1815, resulting in 90,000 deaths (10,000 directly from the eruption and 80,000 from crop loss and famine).
When was the Volcanological Survey of Indonesia created?
The Volcanological Survey of Indonesia was created in 1920 to investigate, record, and warn about volcanoes.
Which volcano is the most active in Indonesia?
The most active volcano is Mount Merapi on the island of Java, which has erupted 80 times since AD 1000.
What happened in 2023 related to Mount Merapi?
In 2023, 23 hikers died on the slopes of Mount Merapi.
What was a significant issue during the 2006 eruption of Mount Merapi?
Many residents were reluctant to leave due to fears of losing their homes to national park expansion.
What was established following the 2010 eruption of Mount Merapi?
A prohibited zone was declared by three government departments, preventing permanent residency and infrastructure in 9 villages.
What is the purpose of the Deep Earth Carbon Degassing Project?
It monitors Mount Merapi for changes and potential eruptions- measuring changes in magam or sulphur dioxide production. However, as Indonesia is an LIC is difficult to evacuate people.
What was the magnitude of the 2010 eruption of Mount Merapi?
The 2010 eruption had a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 4.
What were the social impacts of the 2010 eruption?
200,000 people became homeless, and 320,000 were displaced.
Emergency shelters had to be moved 15km away and the danger area was extended 20km from the mountain and 278,000 people living in this area had to flee their homes.
Evacuation centres were overcrowded- poor sanitation, no privacy and serious risk of diseases.
410,000 in vicinity of volcano became refugees.
353 killed from main eruption and smaller ones afterwards.
POSITIVE- Long term: the volcano brings jobs in the form of the tourist industry.
What were the negative economic impacts of the 2010 eruption?
Farmers lost their livelihoods, vegetable prices increased.
- Planes were not able to fly from Western Australia due to the risk of damage from ash clouds. - Ash falls forced Yogyakarta airport to close for 2 weeks. Ash fall and pyroclastic flow (130 million metres cubed) destroyed crops and infrastructure.
POSITIVE:
- Mineral mining opportunities increased.
- Increased growth in tourism industry.
What were the negative environmental impacts of the 2010 eruption?
- Lava flows disrupted many roads and others were closed for safety.
- Ash, rock and lava on the sides of the volcano were washed down into towns by rainfall creating lahars.
- Sulphur dioxide was blown across Indonesia as far South as Australia.
- Ash from the volcano eventually led to more fertile soils in the area.
- Water supplies were contaminated with acidic lava and ash.
- Breathing difficulties from the contaminated air (ash and acidic fumes).
- Global cooling followed slightly as the ash spread through the upper atmosphere.
- Emissions of sulphur dioxide caused acid rain to fall over a large part of the region.
POSITIVE:
- A conservation area has been set up around the volcano where it is unsafe to live.
Geothermal energy is a renewable source of energy using steam from hot rocks near the surface.
What were the political impacts of the 2010 eruption?
Evacuations led to overcrowded centres, and the government faced pressure to manage health issues.
- International aid was offered from government and NGO’s (Red Cross and Red Crescent).
- 2010 evacuation cntres were set up in schools, churches, stadiums and government offices.
The Indonesian disaster management agency mobilised volunteers, the military and police to circulate information, rescue survivors, control traffic, set up makeshift hospitals and kitchens in evacuation centres.
What attempts have been made to mitigate volcanic eruptions?
Attempts include lava-diversion channels, spraying lava to cool it, and slowing lava flows with concrete blocks.
What resources are deployed after a volcanic eruption?
Emergency aid includes bottled water, medical supplies, and support for rebuilding public services.
Disaster response teams and equipment and search and rescue strategies.
Resources for rebuilding public services, e.g. schools and hospitals, and help for individuals to rebuild homes and businesses.
