What is the definition of a volcano, and how is it formed?
The center of the Earth is composed of a dense, high-temperature core. The mantle, a rock layer, is surrounded by the core, and surrounding these mantle layers are formed by the Earth’s crust, the earth’s surface (Geiger, 2019). The Earth’s crust is formed of several plates, and these plates continue to move sideways at a speed that we cannot feel very little by little. Almost all volcanoes on Earth form on the plate’s edge. In other words, if the plate moves and collides with another plate, the dense plate drops. When the plate moves into the mantle, the pressure and temperature rise, resulting in the formation of water. Magma is formed in order for this water to reach the Earth’s surface (Wei-Haas, 2018). When such magma builds up, it has the potential to erupt onto the Earth’s surface. Where is the volcano now, and is it likely to erupt?
The Pacific Ring of Fire is a geological structure formed by the collision of three boundary plates. As a result, many volcanic activities are active in India, which is located at this boundary. Volcanoes, such as Mount Merapi in India, erupt on a regular basis as a result of this crustal structure (Ying Xuan, 2019). In other words, volcanic activity is active in India due to its geological structure and is likely to erupt in the future, so risks from volcanoes should be anticipated. Mt. Baekdu is also one of the volcanoes that could erupt in North Korea. Currently, Baekdusan Mountain is forming a hot spring, and volcanic activity is taking place. If Mount Baekdu erupts, it will cause flooding in North Korea (Yoo Eun, 2010). In other words, countries near the plate’s edge are more likely to experience volcanic eruptions because earthquake activity is active.
How does a volcano affect us and the environment when it erupts?
Carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides are examples of volcanic gases. These gases will cover the Earth’s atmosphere if volcanoes erupt. When volcanic ash blankets the Earth’s atmosphere, it blocks sunlight and lowers the average temperature. Acid rain forms over time as water and oxygen interact with volcanic gas. Food supplies may become difficult if acid rain damages our soil and crops. Acid rain also corrodes marble buildings, causing damage to our structures (Dickie, 2022).
How should we prepare before a volcano erupts?
When a volcano erupts, ash fills the atmosphere. This ash’s structure is so sharp that it threatens to damage our cornea. That is why, in the event of a volcano erupting, we should never rub our eyes, wear goggles to protect our eyes, or thoroughly wash our eyes with saline solution (Ichimura, 2020). Furthermore, volcanic ash is harmful to the respiratory system, so we should protect our bodies by wearing masks.
Conclusion
Volcanoes form when the Earth’s surface’s boundary plates move and collide. These volcanoes form along Earth’s boundaries, and many of them still exist today. If these volcanoes erupt, they will have a negative impact on our environment and harm us, so we must plan ahead of time and prepare safely.
References
Dickie, G. (2022). Explainer: Tonga’s volcanic eruption may harm environment for years, scientists say. Reuters. [online] 18 Jan. Available at: https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/tongas-volcanic-eruption-may-harm-environment-years-scientists-say-2022-01-18/ [Accessed 25 January 2023].
Geiger, B. (2019). Explainer: Earth — layer by layer. [online] Science News Explores. Available at: https://www.snexplores.org/article/explainer-earth-layer-layer [Accessed 25 January 2023].
Ichimura, A. (2020). How To Protect Your Eyes from Volcanic Ash. [online] Esquiremag.ph. Available at: https://www.esquiremag.ph/life/health-and-fitness/how-to-protect-your-eyes-from-volcanic-ash-a00304-20200113 [Accessed 25 January 2023].
Wei-Haas, M. (2018). Volcanoes, explained. [online] National Geographic. Available at: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/volcanoes [Accessed 25 January 2023].
Ying Xuan, K. (2019). What on earth is the Pacific Ring of Fire? [online] Kontinentalist. Available at: https://kontinentalist.com/stories/what-on-earth-is-the-pacific-ring-of-fire [Accessed 25 January 2023].
Yoo Eun, L. (2010). Korea: Concerns loom over volcanic activity on Baekdu Mountain. [online] Global Voices. Available at: https://globalvoices.org/2010/11/20/korea-concerns-loom-over-volcanic-activity-on-baekdu-mountain/ [Accessed 25 January 2023].
