Geography Project - Volacanoes

“Are volcanoes FRIENDS or FOES of human beings ??”

Section 2 - How are volcanic eruptions predicted

Sunday, 20 March 2011 || 01:47

Section 2: How are volcanic eruptions predicted

Volcanoes are mostly unpredictable. There are, however, some means of detection and prediction, both natural and scientific.

Scientists have developed various instruments to measure predictors of volcanic eruption. The ground may tilt slightly before an eruption; a tiltmeter measures this activity. Seismographs, commonly used in recording earthquakes, can also be used to gauge the rumblings that sometimes come before an eruption.

A seismometer (or seismograph) is a sensor that detects the intensity of earthquakes caused by magma that is moving. Since magma gives off electric currents, electric meters are used tospot rising magma levels by measuring its electric current. Gravimeters can also detect flowing magma. Scientists also take temperatures and gauge gas by using a Landsat satellite. The satellite uses infrared sensors to detect temperatures and changes in volcanoes. Aircraft monitors the amount of gas released from the ground. An increase in sulfur dioxide and other gases usually means that there could be volcanic eruptions. The tiltmeter is a sensor that uses a laser beam to find the rising or lowering of magma levels by measuring changes in ground elevation. GPS (Global Positioning System) is a method to determine position of locations on Earth. It uses satellites that broadcast a signal and receivers that pick up and record the signal. GPS uses the relationship between velocity, distance, and time (velocity equals distance divided by time). With GPS, the velocity is the speed of light. Knowing the velocity and time (and the position of the satellite) allows the distance to be calculated. As magma moves up into a volcano the volcano swells and distances between points on the volcano increases (think of dots on a balloon) and the elevation at specific points increases. Such a change is a common occurrence prior to an eruption.

Volcanologists use these instruments to successfully predict eruptions which saves many lives.

Close observance of the area around a volcano can provide important signals. Clouds of steam or smoke may arise from the volcano’s crater. The ground may rumble. There may be minor shudders or earthquakes.

The increased temperature of nearby streams, springs, and even surface rocks may give a clue. Rock slides or avalanches from the volcano’s cone or slopes provide evidence of possible eruption. However, all these things may happen without further volcanic activity.

Rising magma distorts Earth’s natural electric currents and magnetic field. A restivity meter and a magnetometer note these changes. Thermometers register changing temperatures in the surrounding environment, which may precede volcanic eruptions.

Despite all of these ways to monitor volcanoes, eruptions and explosions are difficult to predict.

Section 3 - Why do people continue to live in area where volcanoes are found ?

Thursday, 17 March 2011 || 06:06

Section three

Why do people continue to live in area where volcanoes are found ?

Fertile soil

People choose to live there because after the eruption , the soil will be very fertile that will help them in farming . When the volcano

erupts , the particles released contains nutrients which enhances the soil fertility . People have to make a living , therefore needs to rely on particles that the volcano gives out during eruption , which will give fertile soil rich in nutrients and farm , getting their crops and sell , therefore they would rather risk their lives to live near a

volcano .

Hot water

It helps to heat up water . When people live near the volcano , the volcano is very hot and due to that , it would help to heat up water ,

in a way people dont need to use electricity to heat up water but could go collect water , therefore it is more environmental friendly .

Tourist attraction

People often gets interested at places
where volcanoes erupts ,therefore they
would spend money to travel all the way there and see the great view after the volcano has
erupted . When that happens , the locals will get to earn money by selling crops and other things . Tourist would always be interested and buy souveniers back home , by then , locals would definitely earn more money so they think it is worth it to live near a volcano though its dangerous .

Labels: Section three Why people continue to live in area where volcanoes are found

Section 4 - What more can be done to reduce the negative effects of volcanic eruptions?

|| 01:24

Section 4

What more can be done to reduce the negative effects of volcanic eruptions?

 Satellite Monitoring

Using Hazard Mapping and Satellite Monitoring can help by showing you when exactly the volcano will erupt which allows you to leave the affected place in time.

Barrier walls and diversionary lava channels can also be used to penetrate the lava flow from hurting or damaging anyone/anything. ( Barriers and Channels should be placed all the time )

Use goggles to prevent ashes from getting into you eyes.

Also , by taking safety measures, like getting a disaster supply kit prepared, with a pair of goggles and disposable breathing mask for each person in your homes.

Staying far from active volcano sites also help in reducing the chance of getting hurt or causung destructions.

If the volcano erupts, immediately leave the area if possible.

When the volcano erupts , the lava can move faster than you can walk or run, look upstream before crossing a bridge, and do not cross the bridge if a mudflow is approaching.

Avoid running near river valleys and low-lying areas if volcano erupts.

Use a mask to help in breathing

When volcano erupts , protect yourself from the falling ash by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Use goggles and wear spectacles instead of contact lenses. Wear a dust mask or hold a damp cloth over your face to help with breathing.

If working or staying near active volcanoes, get youself ready and stay alert for any news or articles regarding the volcano near you.

Labels: What more can be done to reduce the negative effects of volcanic eruptions?

Section 1 - Mount Merapi

Wednesday, 16 March 2011 || 05:57

Mount Merapi

Mount Merapi last erupted on 4^th November 2010 , and produced ash plumes, lahars, and pyroclastic flows. The volcano also released sulfur dioxide, a

colorless gas that can harm human health and cool Earth's climate.

Color bar for Eruption at Mount Merapi, Indonesia

Because of the active volcano , the places around Mount Merapi are fertile and suitable for agriculture which improves the Indonesia economy.

Although volcanic plumes can lead to lower global temperatures, but its only for a short while but hte volcanic ashes from Mount Merapi is considered low when compared to the 1991 Mount Pinatubo blast in the Philippines, which sent ash 78,740 feet into the atmosphere and temporarily cooled the world.

Also , particles released from Mount Merapi are bad for the eyes, skin and health of human being and will cause many people to have respirational problem.

Labels: Mount Merapi