In 2021, global volcanic activity was notable, with eruptions impacting diverse regions. The eruption of La Soufrière in St. Vincent led to evacuations, while Mount Nyiragongo’s eruption in Congo displaced thousands. Such events released ash and gases, affecting air quality and ecosystems, emphasizing the interconnectedness of volcanic activity and regional environments.
UPSC Mains General Studies Paper – 1 Mains 2021
UPSC Mains Civil Services IAS Exam Question Paper – 2021
Approach:
- Start a brief intro by defining the keyword “Volcano” and their occurrence at global level.
- Enumerate some of the examples of volcanic eruptions along with their place of eruption, in 2021.
- Discuss the Impact of volcanic eruption on the environment.
- Conclude accordingly.
Answer
Introduction
- Volcanoes are natural geological features characterized by openings or ruptures in the Earth’s surface through which magma, volcanic ash, and gases are expelled. Volcanic activity occurs on a global scale, with volcanoes dotting diverse landscapes, from towering peaks to oceanic depths. These geological marvels not only shape the Earth’s surface but also have significant implications for the environment, ecosystems, and human populations in their vicinity.
Body
Volcanic eruptions along with their place of eruption, in 2021: In 2021, several notable volcanic eruptions occurred in different parts of the world. Here are some significant volcanic events and their respective eruption locations:
- Mount Nyiragongo, Democratic Republic of Congo: In May 2021, Mount Nyiragongo, located near Goma in eastern Congo, experienced a major eruption.
- La Soufriere, St. Vincent and the Grenadines: La Soufriere, located on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent, erupted in April 2021 after decades of dormancy.
- Fagradalsfjall, Iceland: In March 2021, a volcanic eruption occurred in the Fagradalsfjall area on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland.
- Pacaya, Guatemala: Pacaya, a stratovolcano in Guatemala, experienced multiple eruptions throughout 2021.
- Etna, Italy: Mount Etna, located on the island of Sicily, experienced several eruptions in 2021.
The Impact of a Volcanic eruption on the environment: Volcanic eruptions have significant impacts on the environment, causing both immediate and long-term effects. Here are some key impacts of volcanic eruptions:
- Ashfall and Air Quality: Volcanic eruptions release volcanic ash, which can blanket vast areas, affecting air quality and visibility. Fine ash particles can cause respiratory issues, damage crops, and disrupt transportation and infrastructure.
- Climate Effects: Volcanic eruptions release large amounts of gases and aerosols into the atmosphere, including Sulphur dioxide. These substances can form sulphate aerosols, which reflect sunlight and lead to a temporary cooling effect on the Earth’s surface. In contrast, volcanic gases such as carbon dioxide can contribute to long-term climate change.
- Lahars and Debris Flows: Volcanic eruptions can trigger the rapid movement of volcanic debris, water, and ash, known as lahars or debris flows. These flows can devastate surrounding areas, destroying vegetation, infrastructure, and altering river courses.
- Volcanic Gases: Eruptions release gases such as Sulphur dioxide, hydrogen Sulphide, and carbon dioxide. These gases can have detrimental effects on air quality, plant and animal life, and contribute to the formation of acid rain.
- Ecosystem Disruption: Volcanic eruptions can cause significant disruption to terrestrial and marine ecosystems. They can destroy habitats, trigger mass extinctions of plant and animal species, and lead to the loss of biodiversity.
Conclusion
- Hence, the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 had varying impacts on regional environments. These included destruction of infrastructure, displacement of populations, damage to vegetation and agriculture, air pollution, and changes to the physical landscape. Understanding and monitoring volcanic activity is crucial for assessing and mitigating these environmental impacts, ensuring the safety and well-being of affected regions.
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