Dangers Posed by Volcanoes

There can be massive destruction by volcanic materials. Volcanic materials thrown out during eruptions can harm animals, birds and humans and also destroy homes and forests and interrupt communications. Carbon dioxide, which is emitted, can suffocate people and animals when the concentration is lethal. One example is the release of a deadly 50m thick cloud of asphyxiating carbon dioxide from Lake Nyos in Cameroon, Africa on the 21 August 1986. The gas, which flowed down the valley, suffocated 1,700 people and 3000 animals.

Explosive or violent eruptions near the coast or in the sea can trigger huge sea waves called tsunamis. These tsunamis can sometimes sweep over settlements near the sea, destroying them and claiming many lives.

Large quantities of volcanic ash and dust thrown out during an eruption pollute the environment. The ash and dust can remain in the air for quite some time. The pollution damages the respiratory systems of people and livestock and contaminates water sources and vegetation.

When the steam ejected condenses, heavy rain falls and flooding occurs. Sulphur particles that are ejected into the air may remain in the atmosphere, increasing ozone losses in the stratosphere.

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