Benefits of Volcanoes

     One of the most destructive natural forces on the Earth are volcanoes.  Even though they have killed 200,000 people since the 1400’s, they also produce benefits.  For example, many of the volcanic materials have important industrial and chemical uses.  A natural glass that comes from lava is pumice, it is widely used for grinding and polishing metals, stones, and other materials.  When lava dries and makes a rock form it is commonly used in building roads.  Volcanic ash that has been weathered greatly improves soil fertility.

     Volcanic material has a source of precious gems, Opal.   It also has a source for metals, gold, silver, molybdenum, copper, zinc, lead, and mercury.  When volcanoes erupt, the lava releases some healthy gases, including carbon dioxide and hydrogen.  When oxygen mixes with hydrogen, it creates water vapor and that begins the water cycle.