The Volcano - The Other Side of Nature: Part Two

 

Destructive Forces and Natural Disaster Enigma's

Volcanoes and Mankind Interactions 

Truths and Encounters

The Famed Ring of Fire

A significant area of coastline encircling the Pacific Ocean, the Ring of Fire, is where frequent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur. Based on the edges of the world's main tectonic plates, the Ring of Fire is a horseshoe shape stretching 40,000km. With more than 1,500 active volcanoes on Earth, the ring is home to 452 volcanoes and 90% of the world's earthquakes. The 25 most massive eruptions on the planet have occurred at volcanoes in the Ring of Fire in the last 11,700 years.

Famous and Deadly Volcanoes

With 20 volcanic eruptions probably occurring as you read these words, many of these natural disasters have made history. Here are just three of the most well-known ones:

The Biggest Volcanic Devastation

There are thousands of volcanoes that have caused ruin and destruction to the planet. However, The most significant volcanic eruption recorded is Mount Tambora. Located in Indonesia, the Volcano erupted in 1815 and killed 10,000 people, almost the entire Tambora population. . The force of the eruption was so overbearing the Volcano blew itself apart. When its horrific volcanic flows reached the sea, the following tsunami's devastation killed even more people. Neighbouring areas also suffered severely. Falling ash encased the Earth with devastating effects, killing off large areas of vital vegetation, causing a further 80,000 human deaths due to starvation and disease. The total number of people killed due to the volcanic eruption on Mount Tambora exceeded 90,000. 

Mount Vesuvius in Italy

 Located in Italy's west coast, Mount Vesuvius has erupted more than 50 times and is one of the most dangerous on the planet. Its most famous eruption took place in 79 A.D, where it destroyed the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum from being buried under volcanic ash, mud, and rocks. Around 16,000 people died due to the eruption, and the cities were abandoned for centuries after. Its last eruption was in 1944, but experts believe that this unpredictable Volcano may cause another disastrous eruption sometime soon, which would be catastrophic as nearly 3 million people live within 30km of the Volcano's crater. 

Krakatoa in Indonesia 

Krakatoa is frequently erupting these days, but it is a lot milder and less of a threat than its most famous eruption in 1883. The explosions heard from as far as our homes here in Perth, and over 36,000 people died. The primary cause of death was the tsunami triggered by the eruptions, which reached over 40m. Destroying one hundred sixty-five coastal villages were. Plant and animal life didn't begin to re-establish for five years after the disaster. The climate was also affected by temperatures dropping all around the world. 

Others on top of the list include:

Mount Peleé (Martinique: St. Pierre) is the biggest city on Martinique's Caribbean island. In 1902 Mount Peleé erupted, obliterating the entire city and all but 3 of the 30,000 residents instantly. 

Mauna Loa in Hawaii: The largest Volcano on the planet, First erupting in 1843, it has since erupted another 33 times, making it one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Hence it is monitored 24 hours a day for any signs that it may erupt again.
Mount Pinatubo (Philippines): The second-largest eruption in the 20th century in 1991 

Mount St Helens in the United States: Considered the most destructive eruption in U.S history, Mount St. Helens eruption in 1980

Home-land Australia

Australia is home to only two active volcanoes, one located on Heard and the other on McDonald Island (the southwest Indian Ocean, 4000km southwest of Perth and 1500km north of Antarctica) – both not of the mainland. Volcanic activity has occurred on Heard Island since the mid-1980s, with the sizeable active Volcano known as Big Ben is the most dominant of the island. Formed about 1 million years ago, Big Ben is covered with glaciers and has a plume of smoky ash billowing from the top and black lava flowing down the side. While Heard Island is larger, McDonald Island's volcanic action is much more violent (40km to the West of Heard). It broke its 75,000-year of silence with an eruption happening in 1992. In 1996-97, another massive eruption occurred, resulting in the island doubling in size to 2.4 square kilometres and increasing in elevation by about 100 meters. The volcanic activity resulted in the complete loss of vegetation on the island. There are currently no other active volcanoes in Australia. However, geological evidence shows that volcanoes in every state in Australia, including WA (19 small extinct volcanoes are in the Valley of Fitzroy River in the Kimberley region).

Volcanic eruptions are a reminder of the destructive power of nature and human vulnerability. Although we have learned a lot about these mountains over the millions of years, we still cannot prevent Nature form having her way (she is the boss). These magnificent yet deadly formations will continue to erupt, and it is difficult to predict precisely when they will blow up or how much devastation they will cause.

What can be said about Volcanoes is they are attractive and capable of creating a provocative conversation. There is no doubt volcanic eruptions are an unstoppable, destructive, violent force, unexpected natural disasters, and not to be reckoned with and never underestimated.

I don't know about you, but I found Volcano's a curious read worthy of investigation?

I look forward to us touching base again soon.