Why Do People Live Near Volcanoes?

Photo by Carsten Peter


Perched above the lighted city of Catania, Italy, Mount Etna hurls a fountain of fire skyward as rivers of lava spill down its flanks. In spite of its dazzling displays, Mount Etna is a relatively safe volcano with rare, compact eruptions and slow-flowing lava that gives people a chance to escape. - National Geographic -  {More Pics here!}


Lots of people live near a volcano.  As for me, I live a relatively safe distance from Mt. St. Helens, but this region was severely affected by the eruption in 1980.  I recently returned there, and it while it seems safe now, the devastation still shows.  But The Geography Site cites four good reasons why society loves a lava-spewing mountain in their backyard.

Geothermal energy, minerals, fertile soil, and tourism.  That last one is interesting, and many tourist attractions involve volcanic activity.  And about that geothermal energy?


Countries such as Iceland make extensive use of geothermal power, with approximately two thirds of Iceland's electricity coming from steam powered turbines. New Zealand and to a lesser extent, Japan, also make effective use of geothermal energy.


It makes sense that we'd be so close to that which can give us something powerful, while risking so much at the same time.  Volcanoes rock.

Link | Photo: Wikimedia


Comments (11)

Newest 5
Newest 5 Comments

I saw your advertisement to oxygen mask for dogs. Unfortunately, I cannot find where to purchase them. Can you help me? I live in Mars, Pennsylvania and belong to the Volunteer Fire Co. We are looking to try to purchase these. Any help you can give us would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Debbie
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Can you tell me where to purchase the oxygen mask for dogs in Charlotte, NC, Lenoir, NC or York, SC.
My doggie has heart disease and sometimes gets short of breath. Would like to have one at home in case of an emergency. THANKS!
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You can purchase oxygen mask for pets at www.wagn4u.com

They require you to purchase the mask ( cheaper if you buy it this month ) and then you have to fill out a form with the fire stations info.
They will process it and mail it directly to the fire dept.
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I HAVE BEEB TRYING FOR A LONBG TIME TO HELP MY DOG WITH SOME BREATHING PROBLEMS THAT HE HAS.
I TOOK HIM TO 4 DIFFERENT VETS. THE LAST WAS THE MICHIGAN VETERINARY SPECIALIST WHO CHARGED ME AN ARM AND A LEG TO TELL ME THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO AND KNOW NOTHING ABOUT OXYGEN
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WHERE CNA I BUY THIS MASk?
I LIVE IN DETROIT MICHIGAN 48210
THANK YOU
MARIA ZOWIE
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Where can I buy one of these oxygen masks? I live in the Palm Springs area, close to Los Angeles, California. I have a little maltese with a heart problem and she has had to go to the vet twice in the last month for oxygen. Please advise.
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