Volcanism and its Effects
Left: Bogor on the volcanic island of Java, Indonesia. Right: non-volcanic island of Borneo, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia
The difference in the islands above, is that one is volcanic and one is non-volcanic. Counterintuitively, the volcanic island of Java is densely populated whereas the non-volcanic island of Borneo is relatively unpopulated if the area is taken into reference, when comparing both islands. Why is this, especially as today it is known that volcanoes can peril human lives? The answer to why people prefer volcanic areas over non-volcanic areas - despite the risk faced - lies in the soil that is fertilized by volcanic ash, the use of volcanic material by industry, and hydro - and geothermal energy that can be harnessed.
As long as tectonics exist, volcanoes and geysers will exist. Therefore, the soil will stay fertile (assuming volcanoes don't erupt continuously without breaks), the industry can make use of volcanic gases, renewable geo -and hydrothermal energy can be generated - all thanks to our dynamic planet.
Volcanoes and associated features such as hot springs and geysers can be seen as areas rich in materials that are valuable for industry and agriculture in particular. Either way, both are beneficial to mankind. Pumice and sulphur are especially important for us and they are generally found close to volcanoes. In addition to this, hydrothermal vents produce a wide variety of other exploitable metals such as copper, zinc, lead and iron.Volcanic ash has a high nutrient abundancy which makes the soil on which it is spread very fertile. It therefore allows crops to prosper in volcanic areas.
Geysers indicate the location of a rare and specific compilation of geological circumstances; proximity of a plate boundary or a hotspot, a large groundwater reservoir, an underground network of cracks and in some cases the location of gas and oil reserves deep inside the Earth. Geysers are therefore the evidence of several dynamic processes that govern the Earth, plate tectonics and the water and carbon cycles. Humans use geysers for their own benefit, taking advantage of the geothermal energy that they help to generate.
Volcanoes and associated features such as hot springs and geysers can be seen as areas rich in materials that are valuable for industry and agriculture in particular. Either way, both are beneficial to mankind. Pumice and sulphur are especially important for us and they are generally found close to volcanoes. In addition to this, hydrothermal vents produce a wide variety of other exploitable metals such as copper, zinc, lead and iron.Volcanic ash has a high nutrient abundancy which makes the soil on which it is spread very fertile. It therefore allows crops to prosper in volcanic areas.
Geysers indicate the location of a rare and specific compilation of geological circumstances; proximity of a plate boundary or a hotspot, a large groundwater reservoir, an underground network of cracks and in some cases the location of gas and oil reserves deep inside the Earth. Geysers are therefore the evidence of several dynamic processes that govern the Earth, plate tectonics and the water and carbon cycles. Humans use geysers for their own benefit, taking advantage of the geothermal energy that they help to generate.