Volcanic Hazards Flashcards
What are the 4 primary volcanic hazards?
• Lava flows: Molten rock that destroys everything in its path.
• Pyroclastic flows: Hot gases, ash, and rock moving at high speeds (most deadly).
• Tephra (ash fall): Can collapse buildings and disrupt air travel.
• Volcanic gases: CO₂, SO₂, and toxic emissions can cause health issues.
What are the 3 secondary volcanic hazards?
• Lahars: Volcanic mudflows that destroy infrastructure.
• Tsunamis: Triggered by volcanic explosions or collapses.
• Climate effects: Ash clouds can block sunlight, causing temporary cooling.
Where do most volcanic eruptions occur? (Mention 3 things)
• Convergent plate boundaries (e.g., Pacific Ring of Fire).
• Divergent boundaries (e.g., Mid-Atlantic Ridge).
• Hotspots (e.g., Hawaii, Yellowstone).
Why are some volcanoes more explosive than others? (Mention 2 things)
• Magma composition: Silica-rich magma traps more gas, leading to explosive eruptions.
• Plate boundary type: Convergent boundaries produce more explosive eruptions than divergent boundaries.
What are the 3 primary impacts of volcanic eruptions?
• Loss of life from pyroclastic flows and lahars.
• Destruction of infrastructure (houses, roads, power lines).
• Air travel disruption due to ash clouds (e.g., Eyjafjallajökull, 2010).
What are the 3 secondary impacts of volcanic eruptions?
• Economic loss due to damaged agriculture and businesses.
• Health issues from inhaling ash and gases.
• Climate change effects from ash blocking sunlight.
Where is Mount Merapi located?
On Java, Indonesia, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.
What happened during the 2010 Mount Merapi eruption? (Mention 3 things)
• VEI 4 eruption in October-November 2010.
• Pyroclastic flows reached 15km from the crater.
• 350,000 people evacuated and 353 killed.
What were the 3 social and economic impacts of the Mount Merapi eruption?
• Homes, schools, and farmland destroyed.
• $600 million in economic losses.
• Ash fall affected Yogyakarta and nearby cities.
What were the 3 short-term responses to the Mount Merapi eruption?
• Evacuation of 350,000 people.
• Emergency aid and shelters were provided.
• Airports closed due to ash clouds.
What were the 3 long-term responses to the Mount Merapi eruption?
• New hazard maps created to mark exclusion zones.
• Improved monitoring systems installed.
• Rebuilding of homes and infrastructure.
How can volcanoes be monitored to reduce risks? (Mention 3 things)
• Seismographs: Detect earthquakes before eruptions.
• Gas emissions monitoring: Increases in CO₂ and SO₂ indicate rising magma.
• Thermal imaging: Detects heat changes in the volcano.
What are some 3 mitigation strategies for volcanic hazards?
• Exclusion zones to keep people away from dangerous areas.
• Evacuation plans to ensure quick response.
• Strengthening buildings to withstand ash fall.
