Major Reasons Behind Volcanic Eruptions

Why do volcanoes erupt? Volcanoes, especially the active ones, have cracks beneath them. Because of this, the melted rocks underneath the tectonic plates start to go out through these cracks. Little by little the super hot magma inside slowly builds up pressure. Once the landform cannot contain the pressure anymore, it releases hot materials continuously until the pressure wears down. The result is a massive eruption that releases lava all over the surrounding areas.

There are three major classes of eruptions. The first one is called magmatic eruption, which is basically a result of released decompressed gas. Under this particular class, the volcanic event can be further subdivided into different kinds including surtseyan, Hawaiian and pelean. The other three kinds under this class are vulcanian, strombolian and plinian, which is the most powerful of all.

The second class of volcanic eruption is called phreatomagmatic eruption. Under this class, the volcanic activity is caused by thermal contraction because of chilling, particularly when water comes into direct contact with the hot materials. Under this class, the eruption can be subdivided into three different kinds, namely Antarctica, subglacial and submarine.

The third class of this aggressive volcanic activity is referred to as phreatic eruption. It is also called steam-blast eruptions. Unlike the previous two classes, this one results from expanding steam that explodes when magma comes into direct contact with surface water. Under this class, the volcano never releases new magma. Instead, it blows out fragments of solid rocks that are found inside.

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One of the best examples of a magmatic eruption is the one that took place in the Philippines in 1968. When Mayon Volcano erupted, lava fragments, dust and gas were blown out of the crater. When these materials fell back into the crater, they created destructive avalanches. Under the phreatomagmatic eruption, the best-known record of such event happened approximately 2,200 years ago when an eruption took place under the ice sheet in Antarctica. Finally, a clear example of phreatic eruption happened in the Philippines when Taal Volcano erupted in 1965.

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Slash and Burn Agriculture

One of the culprits is slash and burn agriculture. What usually happens is that a farmer decides to plant crops and raise livestock. The trees are cut to size and subsequently burned. No new trees are planted and instead crops and animals are raised there.

In poor countries, the problems are compounded. The lack of modern tools and utilities make farming difficult. When the denuded land is no longer able to provide quality fruits and vegetables, the farmer moves on to the next rainforest. That is why deforestation happens on such a large scale. After one denuded land has been rendered useless, the other ones become the next targets.

Developing Real Estate and Resorts

As more and more people move to the suburbs, the demand for living space increases. Developers looking to make a profit will mow down these areas. Everyday thousands of acres of rainforest are destroyed to make way for buildings, condominiums and hotel resorts.

Unlike the farmer, these companies use heavy equipment. With bulldozers, tractors and the like, they are able to decimate rainforests quickly. One reason why deforestation happens widely is that companies are fighting for profit. The result is a race to destroy rainforests and construct houses.

Illegal Logging

In some countries, selective logging is employed. This means only certain tree species may be cut down. In some areas however, logging takes place everywhere. People do this because the business is very profitable. Demand for wood furniture and ornaments are still high. Even though selective logging is allowed, illegal logging is more profitable.

Corruption

The reason it’s so rampant is due to corruption. Some agencies assigned to protect rainforests are bribed. Even though there are volunteers, there are just not enough personnel to supervise all these areas. Couple that with corruption and it’s easy to see why deforestation happens all the time.

Politics

More difficulties are encountered at the political level. This doesn’t necessarily boil down to corruption all the time. Sometimes they are forced to do it. If a country is in debt they might strike a deal with a logging company. In exchange for logging rights the company will employ locals. This will generate employment and boost the economy. As money flows, the government can use it to pay debts.

Governments also know that farmers need to use the land to provide for their families. Thus, some are reluctant to stop them from engaging in illegal logging or slash and burn tactics.

Effects

The first is the destruction of various animals. When forests are razed, the lives of thousands of animals are destroyed. Trees can soak up water. Without them, flooding becomes more frequent.

The first step to stopping this is knowing why deforestation happens. Armed with the right information you can take your own steps to prevent it from occurring in your area.

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Because they are so powerful, it’s important that you know the facts about hurricanes. Although there’s nothing we can do to prevent their coming, knowing basic information helps in keeping people safe.

Formation

They are formed around the equator, specifically in the north and south zones. These areas are filled with warm water. Under normal circumstances they’ll form thunderstorms. Under certain conditions, these storms get very large and spin. This movement adds to its strength.

At 40 miles per hour, it’s classified as a tropical storm. At this point this thunderstorm could move towards land. As it does it picks up speed. It may carry strong winds and rain. Based on current facts about hurricanes, a storm will only be classified as such if it goes up to 75 mph.

Characteristics

These formations could be hundreds of miles across. At its corners will be the rain showers. The eye is at the center of these clouds. Their size varies, with some less than 6 miles and others over 100 miles in diameter. This area is usually clear and when passing through the eye, the winds and rain may stop temporarily.

Effects

Although the eye is calm, the water around it goes up. The results are the storm surges. Adding to this are winds and together they can create massive waves across the seas. The sea level will also go up.

You may have noticed that as it heads up to land, the speed and winds go up. The facts about hurricanes have established that water gives it power. When it makes landfall, it loses much of its energy. But even then it can cause great destruction. The constant rainfall can cause flooding. Strong winds can topple billboards and rooftops. Storms over 150 mph can destroy houses and buildings.

Period

At the Atlantic, the peak season runs from June 1 to November 30. The greatest numbers come out around early August up to early October. In other parts of the world they are called typhoons or cyclones.

Safety Tips

Unlike earthquakes, it’s become possible to detect these weather formations while they’re still forming. It gives people time to prepare. Here are some safety facts about hurricanes.

If local officials ask you to evacuate the area, you should do so. Refusing to leave can have disastrous consequences. If there’s no need to leave your home, you should still prepare. You can start by boarding the windows. Turn off all electrical appliances. If you don’t the storm might suddenly knock out the power, damaging the wiring. It might even cause a fire.

Days before the storm comes, stock up on batteries for flashlights and radio. Use the radio to monitor the storm’s direction. Have plenty of canned food, water and medicines.

After the storm has passed, there will be debris all around. Avoid stepping on electrical wires or sharp objects. Stay away from flooded areas. If you have insurance, taking some snapshots of the damage will help.

More facts about hurricanes have been established compared with other disasters. Use the information available to keep yourself secure and out of harm’s way.

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Earthquakes cause the earth to shake. It can hit anytime and anywhere. Furthermore, it can strike at different levels of intensity. The unpredictability of this natural disaster makes it even more dangerous and destructive. The shaking of the earth is caused naturally by seismic waves that are produced after the crust of the earth suddenly releases energy. In order to understand the different aspects of this natural activity, it is important to know why earthquakes happen.

Major Causes of Earthquakes

Why do earthquakes happen? Two things can start this kind of natural disaster. First, scientists have found some close connections between this event and volcanic eruptions. Evidently, places that are near volcanoes tend to experience more tremors. When there are volcanic activities, always expect movements or shaking on the ground. If there are violent volcanic activities, expect stronger earthquakes thereafter.

The second major reason behind this natural disaster is tectonic activity. When the faults and plate margins move, they cause varying intensities of earthquakes. When these movements are strong, expect higher intensity of tremors on the ground. Most earthquakes fall under this class. The magnitude of this natural activity can be measured using two different types of scales, namely the Richter Scale and the Mercalli Scale.

Explosive volcano eruptions produce tremors but are of limited extent. For instance, people can feel the tremors from an eruption only if they are at least 10 to 20 miles away from the base of the volcano. On the other hand, tectonic movements can produce tremors that can be felt all throughout the world.

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This natural disaster can produce devastating results, especially those with larger magnitude. One of them is soil liquefaction. When the ground shakes, the soil becomes weak. This can result in the sinking or tilting of rigid structures like bridges and buildings. Fires can also be a scary effect of the massive shaking of the ground. When gas lines and power lines are broken, fires can start instantly even without warning.

A strong shaking of the earth can also lead to avalanches and earthquakes. These unfortunate events are bound to happen because strong tremors can cause slope to become unstable. When these tremors hit the water, bad things are bound to happen as well. When the magnitude of the shaking reaches 7.5 on the Richter Scale, expect the seas to produce tsunamis. Furthermore, the strong shaking of the ground can eventually lead to ground rupture, which can destroy even the most durable structures on top of the ground like power stations, bridges and dams.

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