WHY DO PEOPLE LIVE CLOSE TO VOLCANOES IF THEY ARE SO DESTRUCTIVE?

To answer the question lets remind ourselves about the structure of a volcano.

Volcanoes can and do affect the lives of people In both a positive(+) and negative(-) way THEY CAN BE DESTRUCTIVE (-) destroying buildings destroying crops destroying bridges, roads, railways. Therefore disrupting communication Ultimately they can kill, both people and other living things

PEOPLE CAN ALSO USE THE NATURAL POWER OF A VOLCANO POSITIVE WAYS (+) PEOPLE CAN ALSO USE THE NATURAL POWER OF A VOLCANO GEOTHERMAL ENERGY GEO (the earth) THERMAL (heat) This is energy created by using the steam from underground which is heated by the earths magma. The steam is used to drive turbines in geothermal power stations producing energy for domestic and industrial use In countries such as Iceland this is the main source of power, it is cheap and kind to the environment as it uses natural sources of fuel ( heat from the earth)

VOLCANOES ATTRACT TOURISTS TO AN AREA this creates many jobs for local people in the tourism industry work in hotels, restaurants and gift shops locals are employed as tour guides. Apart from the volcanoes, hot springs or geysers attract tourists e.g. Strokkur and Blue Lagoon in Iceland

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. gold silver diamonds copper zinc Mining towns develop around volcanoes

VOLCANIC AREAS OFTEN CONTAIN SOME OF THE MOST MINERAL RICH SOILS IN THE WORLD This is ideal for farming. Lava and the weathered material (rock naturally broken down) form nutrient rich soil that can be cultivated to produce healthy crops and high yield harvests. The soil naturally contains: - Potash Nitrogen Sulphur In Iceland they use the geothermal energy to heat greenhouses where tomatoes are grown on the rich soil.

WOULD YOU LIVE CLOSE TO A VOLCANO? Task Explain the benefits of geothermal energy.