FX.co ★ 6 Ways Volcanoes Benefit Earth

Volcanic Ash

Volcanic ash formed during explosive volcanic eruptions is quite essential for the Earth. It is often used as a fertilizer. Volcanic ash contains minerals that are beneficial for plants. Volcanic materials are mixed in with the soil quite quickly, owing to its special composition with particles of dust and sand. In Indonesia, Japan, Italy, and the Philippines, farmers living near volcanoes use volcanic ash as fertilizer.

Preservation Of Flora And Fauna

You may be surprised but one of the most crucial advantages of volcanoes on the planet is the inaccessibility of their slopes. Apparently, not every traveler dares to walk near the volcanic slopes and crevices, as well as hunt and collect plants. Thus, many unique species of plants and animals are safe thanks to the volcano's remote and inaccessible location.

Volcanic Gas

Ecologists believe that volcanic gases are another gift of volcanoes for the planet Earth. Volcanic gases accelerate the process of water entering the atmosphere and participate in its formation. Remarkably, the oceans are also the products of volcanic activity. Volcanoes are a kind of exhaust-pipe system for the accumulating gasses to escape. They contribute to the cooling of the earth's core, scientists say.

Formation Of Volcanic Islands

It is well-known that people often settle down near the areas of extinct volcanoes. However, few of them know that due to the elements released during the eruption, a whole island can be formed. For example, Nishinoshima in Japan is one of such islands. Curiously enough, when volcanoes erupt, the area of the continents increases.

Building Materials

Products of volcanic eruptions are often used in construction. Volcanic deposits are also used as a raw building material. Minerals of volcanic origin such as basalt and aphanite are applied for the production of crushed stone. They have a high density and therefore concrete shields of a nuclear reactor are usually made from them. Pumice, volcanic ash, and perlite are also used in manufacturing and construction.

Energy Saving

Volcanic heat can also be used for the generation of green energy. According to scientists’ calculations, the electric and thermal potential of the Avacha-Koryak group of volcanoes in Russia will total about 6 thousand Gcal per hour. This will fully meet the need for thermal energy in the cities of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and Elizovo, experts summarize.