Nyiragongo eruption 2002 Flashcards
Case study knowledge
What caused the 2002 Nyiragongo eruption?
The eruption was triggered by tectonic activity along the East African Rift, leading to the rapid ascent of magma through fissures in the volcano.
Where is Mount Nyiragongo located?
Mount Nyiragongo is located near Goma in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
What type of volcano is Nyiragongo?
Nyiragongo is a stratovolcano, characterized by its highly fluid, fast-moving lava.
How did the 2002 eruption affect the city of Goma?
The eruption destroyed about 15% of Goma, burying large parts of the city under lava and displacing over 400,000 people.
How many people died as a result of the 2002 eruption?
Approximately 147 people were killed due to lava flows, gas emissions, and building collapses.
What were the major hazards during the 2002 eruption?
Hazards included highly fluid lava flows that reached speeds of 60 km/h, toxic gas emissions, and the destruction of homes, infrastructure, and roads.
How did the eruption affect Lake Kivu?
There were fears that lava could trigger dangerous gas emissions from Lake Kivu, which contains large amounts of dissolved methane and carbon dioxide.
What was the long-term impact of the eruption on Goma?
The eruption left Goma’s economy devastated, with destroyed infrastructure, homelessness, and a significant humanitarian crisis.
What measures were taken after the 2002 eruption?
International aid efforts were mobilized to provide shelter and food, and scientists began closely monitoring Nyiragongo for future eruptions.
