1. By: Kylie Brown

2.  For obvious reasons volcanoes pose threats to human life and property, unbeknownst to many there are actually quite a few ways volcanoes are damaging to society. LavaTsunamis GasDebris

3.  Lava-although normally not a danger because of how slowly it flows, it can still burn up land as it travels. Sometimes even damming rivers and causing flooding.  Gas-Magma contains gasses that are released during a volcanic eruption. They fill the air and, depending on the force of the explosion, travel/remain in the atmosphere, where people breath it in.

4.  Debris-Mainly referred to as “tephra fall”, falling objects are often projected during volcanic eruptions. They can bury houses, clog lungs, and cause damage from the force of impact.  Tsunamis-Water problems from volcanoes? Seems crazy but volcanic eruptions in the ocean can actually displace large amounts of water, impelling it to become a tidal wave of destruction.

5.  All the Earth’s systems affect one another in and endless, and important cycle. Volcanoes are not left out of this equation. One of the biggest ways volcanoes affect the environment is by releasing tons of ash and gas into the air during explosions. This can block the sun’s rays and make the rain acidic which is damaging to plants and animals.

6.  Hot magma also affects the water system. It can melt ice glaciers, like mini bursts of global warming. It can also dam rivers, creating flooding. Sometimes, it actually helps stimulate plant growth when rainfall knocks the ash particles out of the air and the particles enrich the soil.

7. Beneficial? Really? When you normally hear of volcanic activity many people associate it with destruction. Volcanoes are damaging in many ways but also provide us with numerous positive assets.  Precious gems  Precious metals  Construction materials (such as glass)  Geothermal power  Rich volcanic soil  Health spas  Recreation (such as skiing, hiking, tours)  History (research helps us learn more about volcanoes)

8.  http://www.sritweets.com/wp- content/uploads/2010/02/volcano.jpg http://www.sritweets.com/wp- content/uploads/2010/02/volcano.jpg  http://volcanology.geol.ucsb.edu/hazards.ht m http://volcanology.geol.ucsb.edu/hazards.ht m  http://volcanology.geol.ucsb.edu/benefits.ht m http://volcanology.geol.ucsb.edu/benefits.ht m