Minerals
Magma rising from deep inside the earth contains a range of minerals. As the rock cools, minerals are precipitated out and, due to processes, they are at different locations. This means minerals such as tin, silver, gold, copper and even diamonds can be found in volcanic rocks. Most metallic minerals mined around the world are usually found deep below extinct volcanoes, making it ideal for large scale commercial mining and smaller scale local mining. Active volcanoes, like extinct volcanoes, are rich sources of minerals as hot gasses escaping through vents also bring minerals to the surface, notably sulfur, which collects around the vents and condenses and solidifies. Locals collect sulfur and sell it, making a living out of volcanic rocks.
Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy means heat energy from the Earth.Heat from underground steam is used to drive turbines and produce electricity, or heat water supplies that are used to provide household heating and hot water. Steam doesn't naturally occur but it is possible to drill several deep holes into very hot rocks, pump cool water down one hole and extract steam from another hole close by. The steam however isn't used directly.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 is more environmental friendly,compared to burning fossil fuels.
Fertile Soils
Volcanic rocks and volcanic ash make the soil rich in minerals and nutrients.The rocks need thousands of years to become weathered and broken down. When they do become rich soils, they form some of the richest on Earth. Places such as the African Rift Valley, Mt Elgon in Uganda, and the slopes of Vesuvius in Italy all have productive soils. The Naples area, which includes Mount Vesuvius, has such rich soils,due to two large eruptions 35,000 and 12000 years ago. Today, the area is intensively cultivated and produces many types of herbs, fruits and vegetables.
Tourism
Volcanoes attract millions of visitors every year, for different reasons.An example of nature's wild side, there are few things that can beat seeing an erupting volcano blowing red hot ash and rock thousands of feet into the air. Even the less active ones that are just puffing out steam and smoke are impressive sights and attract tourists from around the world.Around the volcano may be warm bathing lakes, hot springs, bubbling mud pools and steam vents,residents can make a profit by running the hot springs. Geysers are always popular tourist attractions,like Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park, USA. Iceland markets itself as a land of fire and ice,with a mix of volcanoes and glaciers, often both in the same place. The wild, raw and barren volcanic landscapes attract tourists who want to see what the early planet may have looked like.Tourism creates jobs in shops, restaurants,hotels and tourist centres / national parks,the residents living near the volcano site can benefit from this tourism either by selling things at the site or others. Locals economies can profit from volcanism throughout the year, whereas skiing, for example, has only a limited winter season.In Uganda, a country trying hard to increase its tourist industry, the volcanic region around Mt Elgon is being heavily promoted for it's landscape,huge waterfalls, wildlife, climbing and hiking and its remote 'get away from it all' location.But one bad thing about living near a volcano is that they can erupt at anytime if they are still active and can provide a risk to all that live there. Just because it happens rarely does not mean it won't
Many people dont have a choice, they are born there and were raised there. They are used to living near the volcano, and it is a part of their everyday life. People who live near them also might not have the financial capability to move to another town. It is very difficult to sell your house once you are living on a volcano, therefore if you move without realising the full risk then decide to move away you will most likely not be able to sell your property or have to buy a new property without selling the old one which would be very costly.
Also, major volcano explosions do not happen often Many volcanoes are not even active, most are dormant or completely inactive making residents assume it's a safe area.Some people are ignorant to the power of volcanoes and do not bother to assess the full damage risk before they move.
Also, major volcano explosions do not happen often Many volcanoes are not even active, most are dormant or completely inactive making residents assume it's a safe area.Some people are ignorant to the power of volcanoes and do not bother to assess the full damage risk before they move.
