Why Are Volcanoes Dangerous? A Geological Perspective
by Yuvi K - December 16, 2023
Why Are Volcanoes (वोल्कनों) Dangerous? A Geological Perspective
Volcanoes (वोल्कनों) are amazing natural features, but they can also be powerful and dangerous. Being a hot spot for seismic activity, volcanic eruptions have the potential to cause mass destruction and loss of life. In this article, we’ll take a look at why volcanoes (वोल्कनों) are dangerous and what kinds of disasters they can cause.
What Causes Volcanoes (वोल्कनों)?
Volcanoes (वोल्कनों) are formed when molten rock, known as magma, is expelled to the surface. Magma is formed when tectonic plates in the earth’s crust move against each other and create immense pressure. The magma is forced up through the cracks in the Crust and then erupts through vent openings, usually located on the side of a mountain.
Types of Volcanic Eruptions
Volcanic eruptions can be classified into three main categories: Hawaiian, Surtseyan, and Peléan. The type of eruption depends on the viscosity of the magma and the amount of gas it contains.
Hawaiian Eruptions
Hawaiian eruptions occur when magma has a low viscosity and is rich in gases. The characteristic of this eruption is that it generally has low explosivity and tends to flow gently and easily.
Surtseyan Eruptions
Surtseyan eruptions occur when magma has a low to medium viscosity and contains a large amount of dissolved gases. These eruptions are highly explosive and cause high-reaching columns of ash and rock.
Peléan Eruptions
Peléan eruptions occur when magma has a high viscosity and contains a large amount of dissolved gases. These eruptions tend to be very explosive, with thick clouds of ash and high-speed lava flows.
Types of Volcanic Hazards
Volcanoes (वोल्कनों) are dangerous because of their potential to cause a variety of hazards, including lava flows, mudflows, pyroclastic flows, ash clouds, and explosive eruptions.
Lava Flows
Lava flows occur when molten rock or magma moves down volcanic slopes. Lava flows can travel long distances and cause immense destruction. They can also destroy vegetation, damage infrastructure, and create hazardous air and water conditions.
Mudflows
Mudflows, also known as lahars, are a type of flowing mass of mud and water that can develop during and after a volcanic eruption. Mudflows are extremely destructive, as they can travel great distances and carbonaceous material, such as ash, pumice, and volcanic bombs, can become mixed in with them.
Pyroclastic Flows
Pyroclastic flows are composed of a mixture of hot gas and volcanic materials such as ash, pumice, and rock. They usually travel at high speeds and can cause immense destruction.
Ash Clouds
Ash clouds are a powerful hazard associated with erupting volcanoes (वोल्कनों). These clouds contain hazardous particulate matter that can cause breathing difficulties for those nearby, as well obscuring visibility. They are also able to travel hundreds of miles, creating dangerous conditions for people in their path.
Explosive Eruptions
Explosive eruptions occur when the pressure built up in the magma is greater than its ability to escape and causes the magma to burst. These eruptions can cause extensive damage, as they can eject large amounts of debris up to distances of several kilometers.
Conclusion
Volcanoes (वोल्कनों) are powerful and potentially catastrophic geological features. They can create a wide variety of hazards, including lava flows, mudflows, ash clouds, and explosive eruptions, which can lead to mass destruction and loss of life. It is important to be aware of the potential danger posed by volcanoes (वोल्कनों) and to take safety precautions to protect people and property.
For more details on the geological perspective of volcanoes, their history, and their hazardous potential, read our next article.
