volcanoes: creators and destroyers
Volcanoes can and do affect the lives
of people in both positive (+) and negative (-) ways.
They can be destructive (-):
of people in both positive (+) and negative (-) ways.
They can be destructive (-):
- destroying buildings;
- destroying crops;
- destroying bridges, roads, railway which disrupts
- they can kill people and other living things;
People can also use the natural power of volcanoes in positive ways (+).
GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
The word "geothermal" means "heat from the earth". The word is made up of two parts: GEO, which means "the earth" and THERMAL, which means "heat".
Geothermal energy is energy created by using steam from under the ground. The steam is created by the earth's magma.
The steam is used to drive turbines in geothermal power stations which produce energy for domestic and industrial use.
In countries such as Iceland this is the main source of power. It is cheap to produce and kind to the environment as it uses a natural source of fuel - heat from the earth.
GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
The word "geothermal" means "heat from the earth". The word is made up of two parts: GEO, which means "the earth" and THERMAL, which means "heat".
Geothermal energy is energy created by using steam from under the ground. The steam is created by the earth's magma.
The steam is used to drive turbines in geothermal power stations which produce energy for domestic and industrial use.
In countries such as Iceland this is the main source of power. It is cheap to produce and kind to the environment as it uses a natural source of fuel - heat from the earth.
A geothermal power station in Iceland
TOURISM
Volcanoes often attract tourists to an area. This creates many jobs for local people in the tourism industry in hotels, restaurants and gift shops. Local people are also employed as tour guides.
Apart from the volcanoes themselves, hot springs and geysers near volcanoes attract tourists. A good example is Rotorua in New Zealand which attracts millions of visitors every year.
VOLCANIC ACTIVITY BRINGS THE EARTH’S RICHES TO THE SURFACE
Lava from deep within the earth contains minerals which can be mined once the lava has cooled.
Minerals such as gold, silver, diamonds, copper and zinc can all be found.
Mining towns may develop around volcanoes so the miners have somewhere to live.
VOLCANIC AREAS OFTEN CONTAIN SOME OF THE MOST MINERAL RICH SOILS IN THE WORLD
Lava and naturally broken-down rock form nutrient-rich soil which is ideal for farming. It can be cultivated to produce healthy crops and high yield harvests.
The soil naturally contains potash, nitrogen and sulphur which are all good fertilisers. In Iceland, geothermal energy is used to heat greenhouses where tomatoes are grown in the rich soil.
Lava from deep within the earth contains minerals which can be mined once the lava has cooled.
Minerals such as gold, silver, diamonds, copper and zinc can all be found.
Mining towns may develop around volcanoes so the miners have somewhere to live.
VOLCANIC AREAS OFTEN CONTAIN SOME OF THE MOST MINERAL RICH SOILS IN THE WORLD
Lava and naturally broken-down rock form nutrient-rich soil which is ideal for farming. It can be cultivated to produce healthy crops and high yield harvests.
The soil naturally contains potash, nitrogen and sulphur which are all good fertilisers. In Iceland, geothermal energy is used to heat greenhouses where tomatoes are grown in the rich soil.