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

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

3. 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

5. 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)

8. 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

13. 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

14. 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.

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