Why are volcanic eruptions dangerous?

The factors that determine the magnitude of a volcanic eruption are the viscosity of the molten rock of magma, the gases and material spewed out of the volcano, and the proximity of lives to a volcano. The magma viscosity depends on temperature, dissolved gases and chemical; make-up.

  • Explosive eruptions can create a number of deadly natural events. They can shoot particles 32km high, hurl boulders more than a km away, and cause massive landslides. On the other hand, effusive eruptions cause lava to flow out slowly. People can easily run away from the lava. The flowing lava may destroy everything it comes into contact with.
  • An explosive eruption can create ash clouds, carried in the atmosphere for tens of km. ash clouds can cause suffocation and serious aircraft damage. They destroy crops, contaminate water, and damage property.
  • In the New Zealand incident, the eruption was identified to be phreatic in nature. A phreatic eruption occurs when magma heats ground or surface water. The extreme temperature of the magma causes instantaneous evaporation of water to steam, resulting in an explosion of steam, water, ash, and rock. The victims suffered severe burns and many were found buried under the ash and debris.

 

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