Volcanic eruption: causes and consequences

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:42

Volcanoes are faults on the surface of the earth's crust, through which magma subsequently emerges, turning into lava and accompanied by volcanic bombs. They are found on absolutely all continents, but on Earth there are places of their special accumulation. The latter is due to various geologically active processes. All volcanoes, depending on their location and activity, are divided into several main categories: terrestrial, subglacial and underwater, extinct, dormant and active.

The science that studies them is called volcanology. It is an official discipline recognized throughout the world.

Volcanic eruptions tend to occur with a certain regularity. At the same time, a large amount of volcanic gases and ash is released into the atmosphere. Several hundred years ago, people believed that these processes were caused by the wrath of the gods. At present, mankind knows that the eruption is natural, and the causes of volcanic eruptions lie in the deep layers.lands where liquid red-hot magma accumulates. In some places, it gradually begins to rise along the vents of volcanoes to the surface. Ordinary magma quite easily passes various gas vapors, and therefore the lava comes out relatively calmly. It all looks like it's pouring out.

Acidic magma, which is denser in structure, retains gas vapor for much longer, resulting in high pressure and volcanic eruptions in the form of a big bang. This phenomenon can also be triggered by the movement of tectonic plates and earthquakes.

The eruption of terrestrial volcanoes causes the formation of deadly pyroclastic flows, varying in their power. They are made of hot gas and ash and rush down the slopes at great speed. In addition, toxic substances are released into the atmosphere and hot lava flows to the surface. The consequences of underwater volcanic eruptions are directly related to the formation of deadly waves and tsunamis. Faults related to subglacial, as a result of their major eruption, depending on a particular geological and geographical location, can lead to the formation of landslides, powerful mudflows and the collapse of the glaciers themselves. Volcanic eruptions are usually associated with the loss of earth cover, air pollution, pollution of reservoirs, lakes, rivers, and hence drinking water.

Stands apartnote failures in the operation of various infrastructures, the destruction of residential buildings and non-residential utility rooms, hunger and the spread of various kinds of infections.

The effects of powerful volcanic eruptions have a direct impact on climate change and may trigger the onset of the so-called volcanic winter. The ash and gases formed during the explosion will reach the atmospheric layer and, like a veil, will completely cover the Earth. The rays of the sun will cease to penetrate, and sulfuric acid will fall on the surface in the form of precipitation. The effect that will result from such processes will be similar to the consequences of a nuclear winter. Eruptions of this kind are quite rare, and today scientists are doing everything possible to reduce the likelihood of their occurrence.