3. Article 4 "VOLCANIC ERUPTION" The first recorded accounts of Mayon's eruption were made by the Franciscan priests during the 18th century. Its most destructive explosion occurred in February 1814, when clouds of volcanic gas and waves of mud and lava destroyed the town of Cagsawa, about 16 kilometers away. More than 1, 200 lives were lost. What remained was the church's bell tower and a few stone roofs, visible to this day and nearly as postcard-famous as volcano itself. Effects of the Volcanic Eruptions to Environment/Ecosystem 2. 3. osults of earthquakes and volcanic
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Answer:
The effects of volcanic eruptions on the environment and ecosystem can be significant. Here are some potential impacts:
1. Ashfall: Volcanic eruptions release ash particles into the atmosphere, which can travel long distances and settle on the ground. Thick layers of ash can smother vegetation, disrupt photosynthesis, and damage crops. Ashfall can also contaminate water sources, affecting aquatic life.
2. Pyroclastic Flows and Lahars: During explosive eruptions, pyroclastic flows, which are fast-moving mixtures of hot gas, ash, and rock fragments, can rush down the slopes of a volcano. These flows can destroy everything in their path, including vegetation and animal habitats. Lahars, which are volcanic mudflows, can occur when heavy rain mixes with loose volcanic material on the slopes, resulting in destructive flows that can bury communities and affect river systems.
3. Changes in Landforms: Volcanic eruptions can reshape the landscape. Lava flows can alter the topography, burying valleys, creating new landforms, or filling bodies of water. These changes can impact ecosystems, disrupting habitats and affecting the distribution of plant and animal species.
4. Gas Emissions: Volcanic eruptions release gases such as sulfur dioxide (SO₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). These gases can have harmful effects on the environment and human health. SO₂ can contribute to acid rain formation and air pollution. High concentrations of volcanic gases can be toxic to plants, animals, and humans, affecting respiratory systems and causing other health issues.
5. Climate Effects: Volcanic eruptions can release large amounts of ash and aerosols into the atmosphere, which can reflect sunlight back into space and temporarily cool the Earth's surface. This cooling effect can influence global climate patterns, leading to changes in rainfall patterns and temperature.
6. Soil Fertility: Volcanic ash, over time, can contribute to the fertility of soil due to its rich mineral content. However, immediate impacts of ashfall can be detrimental, as it can smother vegetation and disrupt nutrient cycling.
Overall, volcanic eruptions can have both immediate and long-term effects on the environment and ecosystems. These impacts vary depending on the magnitude of the eruption, the proximity to human settlements, and the resilience of the affected ecosystems.