Ash-fall: Ash fall is a very serious hazard presented by volcanism in New Zealand. Ash consists of rock, crystal particles and volcanic glass. It is ejected from the volcano into the air with large particles between 0.1-10m in diameter usually landing about 1-2km from the vent while finer grained material only millimetres in diameter can be deposited much further away (GNS Science, 2010) [2]. It can affect those in close proximity to the eruption as well as those at greater distances. Ash can be hazardous to the environment, buildings, property and to people’s health. During the 1945 eruption of Mt Ruapehu, ash fall was a major hazard to both people and the environment. Ash is very irritant to people’s eyes and can cause breathing difficulties …show more content…
It caused many eye and throat irritations with hundreds of cases being reported to doctors and chemists in ash-affected communities (Johnston & Neall, 1995). Due to its composition, ash is very abrasive as it has sharp broken edges which can cause damage to buildings, cars and machinery, with damage to paintwork being a very common problem. Ash can also contaminate water supplies making them unsafe to drink along with clogging water pumps, making them unusable. Another major concern due to ash is its ability to affect the visibility especially on roads making it dangerous to drive through areas with heavy ash fall resulting in reduced speeds and road closures. Ash can also be damaging to crops, burying them and subjecting them to possible rot. Aircrafts are at risk of having propellers and other rotating machinery jammed. Therefore, it is common for flights to be cancelled and airports are often forced to close following a volcanic eruption. As stated by Johnston et al. (2000, as cited by Auckland City Council, 2009) the 1996 Ruapehu eruption caused the overnight closure of Auckland Airport for several days. These hazards highlight how ash produced by volcanism has environmental, social and even economic impacts on New Zealand and
Although volcanoes are difficult to predict, geologists have made many efforts in order to caution the people of Orting and other surrounding towns of possible lahar slides. Residents have been made aware of emergency response plans and they know the proper precautions to take in the case of a volcanic activity emergency. Sirens have been put into place by the fire department and governing bodies of surrounding communities that detect volcanic activity and warn the community of ...
In March 18, 1880 Mount St. Helens there was a catastrophic eruption that caused a huge volume of ash; the ash plume would be over central Colorado within 16 hours. After years of dedicated monitoring (knowing where to volcano is, unlike an earthquake not knowing exactly where this geological even is exactly) there was been increasing accuracy in forecasting eruptions.
These differences are in the makeup of the volcano, the impact on society, and the eruption itself. Mount Saint Helens, used to be a wonder of the world, but now a damage site of what happened on May 18, 1980. Mauna Loa is a tourist destination and one of the most active dispensers of lava and magma in the world. As shown, these volcanoes can’t be more different. Yet, each volcano has been a culprit to destruction, and have similarities within themselves. This report has expressed many similarities and differences and brought facts and knowledge to the historical eruptions by these impressive and ancient structures of
Approximately three miles west of Colorado Springs in the Pike National Forest, the Waldo Canyon fire of 2012 was the most destructive wildfire in Colorado history burning 18, 247 acres, killing two people, destroying 347 homes and damaging many more (City of Colorado Springs, 2013). In addition to property damages and loss of life, there were other damages caused from this wildfire to include wildlife, plant life, watershed and soil. Economic damages caused by this wildfire include firefighting costs, insurance claims, home displacement costs and business closures during the duration of the fire.
Volcanoes have played a key role in forming the face of the earth as we know it today. Some of the most well known landmarks and locations in the world are volcanoes. From the Hawaiian Islands to Mount Vesuvius, the Earth is populated with hundreds of active and dormant volcanoes. Among these volcanoes there are multiple different types. Stratovolcanoes, the most dangerous type of volcanoes, are built by multiple eruptions over many years. Shield Volcanoes, the largest recognizable volcanoes, are characterized by being short but very broad with low sloping sides. Cinder cones, the most common type of volcano in the world, are composed of large amounts of tephra, or pyroclastic debris. The last type of volcano is supervolcanoes. Supervolcanoes are the largest volcanoes. They also have the highest potential for damage. This paper will discuss these these different types of volcano.
Boom! A once ice-capped mountain peak explodes as ash fills the air. “‘Vancouver, Vancouver, this is it!’”Those were the last words of expert geologist David Johnston (Gunn 561). In 1980, Mount Saint Helens of the state of Washington erupted, filling the air with ash and causing mudflows powerful enough to lift tons. It decimated everything in its path. The eruptions, mudflows, and ash caused great damage on the landscape, yet it gave us information on how catastrophes happen and how they affect society and the surrounding landscape. The data acquired can also help us understand the way the landscape was formed. Mount Saint Helens caused much damage, but also helped people understand the science behind it.
Alaskan volcanoes are different from Hawaii’s because they do not ooze out lava; they explode ash that can go up to 50,000 feet. If high enough, the ash can enter the Jet stream, a band of strong westerly air currents encircling
This paper will provide information on the volcanoes of Hawaii, where it is known to be the home of one of the world’s largest volcanic islands, merely second to Iceland. It is not just the beautiful landscapes and wildlife that spark the interest to this particular area, but the uniqueness of the Hawaiian volcanoes and islands themselves are what make the area so significant. There will be information spanning from the history of the origin of the islands to how Hawaii must adjust to the volcanic hazards in order to keep the area livable. With these ideas in mind, I will first address background information on the area and set the scene as to what makes this area so special. Then I will transition to the history of how the Hawaiian Islands were formed, and transition to the active and previously active volcanoes on the islands. From this point, the paper will move towards the volcanic activity of Hawaii and the life stages of the volcanoes. Once that is established, the paper will discuss the historic eruptions of Hawaii. Finally, the paper will conclude with how Hawaii must cope with the volcanic hazards in order to keep Hawaii a habitable area.
Eastern Tennessee recently had its largest wildfire in 100 years. This destroyed over 700 homes, killed seven people, and injured 53. It also forced 14,000 people to evacuate from the city of Gatlinburg alone. This fire just grew stronger due to 87 mph winds, which also lead to fallen trees and power lines blocking the roads. Luckily, a downpour of rain suppressed the fire, but caused rock and mudslides. However, unless the rain is able to reach the brush fire, the residents of Tennessee are still in danger. Over 200 firefighters are still on the ground to help people reach safety and kill off the rest of the wildfire.
Tennessee coal ash spill occurred in December 22, 2008. A dike failed at Tennessee Valley Authority spilling billion gallons of coal ash. The ash had been stored and contained arsenic, selenium, lead and radioactive materials. These materials are very toxic. This spill is an example of environmental crime because it was caused by the Tennessee Valley Authority. An environmental crime is considered to be a white collar crime also known as corporation crime (Beder, 2002, pg 213). News media highly covered this crime in different ways. Media can change the framework in order to help us understand the situation better. Framing is principles of selection, emphasis and presentation (Schudson, 2003, pg 35). These two article shows how Tennessee Spill can be framed in different ways and with framing analysis it can tell you which frames is being used by the news media.
Another issue that Chile has to face is the possibility of volcanic eruptions and subsequent ash clouds. If a major eruption occurs in Chile it could greatly affect the air travel in and out of Chile for a long time. The last major eruption occurred in 2011 and not only grounded flights in Chile but also Australia and New Zealand as the ash cloud was blown a great distance (Williams, 2011).
Since the dawn of history, volcanoes have been an awe inspiring feature of the earth that has frightened and intrigued mankind. Volcanoes have taken the lives of over 250,000 people in the last three hundred years and changed the lives of millions of others, but up until recently humans have had very little understanding of the volcanic processes that presage an eruption. The advent and implementation of new technologies and scientific methods has allowed us to begin to comprehend the inner workings of one of nature's most powerful forces. Through understanding how volcanoes work, volcanologists hope to accurately predict when an eruption may occur, what the magnitude and type of eruption will be, and what effect it will have on the surrounding area. Accomplishing this daunting task will ensure that in the future when an eruption occurs, the population at risk will be prepared and lives can be saved.
Tanguy, J.-C., Ribiere, C., Scarth, A., & Tjetjep, W. (1998). Victims from volcanic eruptions: a revised database. Bulletin of Volcanology , 137-144.
Volcanoes can be one of the most destructive forces on Earth. It is estimated that some
This led to the destruction of the Roman city Pompeii. Pompeii had a population of about 20,000 people. Out of these people only about 2000 people escaped the terrible disaster. The volcano/mountain; Mount Vesuvius had temperatures going from 1,250°- 1300°, enough to kill anything and anybody in its path. The funny thing is, the eruption had so much ash that yes it instantly killed everyone near it but it didn't destroy their bodies. The ash covered the bodies and kept them preserved. If you visit Pompeii's site right now you can actually see bodies preserved from all the ash that is covering them. They were practically mummified by the hot ash. Clothing was also unharmed. Under the ash some of the garments were not harmed even by the scalding temperature. Having a very destructive past is regarded as one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world, volcanoes all around the world are active but Mt. Vesuvius is very feared and worried about because it is one of the very few Mountains that had erupted and killed so many