What are the human impacts of explosive eruptions?

Marie

Dear Marie,

Explosive eruptions are dangerous because of the potential for the release a large amounts of energy and widespread effects. Tall eruption columns can produce pyroclastic flows that travel great distances from the volcano. The pyroclastic flows can kill people, especially in low areas or close to the volcano. Tall eruption columns can also produce ash that falls far from the volcano. Ash can damage crops or force an area to be abandoned. In some eruptions thick ash collapsed the roofs of buildings, killing the occupants. Explosive eruptions can make lahars and mudflows that flood valleys and kill people that do not get to higher ground. Explosive eruptions near water can generate tsunami.

Steve Mattox, University of North Dakota

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