Although volcanoes have the reputation of being very dangerous, (Volcanoes can kill people and animals.  They can be very destructive.) there nevertheless are advantages of living near a volcano.

     Volcanoes provide resources for energy extraction, also called geothermal resources.  Heat from the earth's crust is being converted to energy.  The big advantages to this type of energy are that it is very clean and the resources are nearly inexhaustible.

     When a volcano erupts it throws out a lot of ash.  At short notice this ash can be very harmful to the environment, but on the long term the ash layer, which contains many useful minerals, will be converted to a very fertile soil.

     Nearly everywhere volcanoes are located people use the rich soil for farming.  Even after an eruption people still return because of the fertile soil around the volcano.

     Volcanoes can produce very spectacular scenery like the beautiful sunsets caused by explosive eruptions.  Other features include plant-rich environments, stunning eruptions, beautiful lava fountains etc.

(Fig. 2.53) Spectacular sunset on the big island of Hawaii caused by volcanic activity.
Credit: Hawaiian Real Estate

(Fig. 2.54) The eruption of the Vesuvius in AD 79 has been one of the most famous eruptions ever.  The cities of Herculaneum, Pompeii, and Stabiae were buried by a rain of ashes and mud.  Later, scientists would discover the city of Pompeii which remained partly intact because of the blanket of ash.  Now people could learn about the Roman culture and history!
Credit: USGS

(Fig. 2.55) Picture of erupting Arenal volcano, situated in Costa Rica.  It emits streams of lava and it throws out glowing stones which give a beautiful effect.
Credit: Michael L. Smith

     A big economical advantage of volcanoes is that they generate tourism. 

     A country such as Hawaii is getting a lot income from tourism.