What specific chemicals typically erupt from a volcano? What are
the effects of each on the environment?
Dave
Dear Dave,
The most common elements in materials erupted by volcanoes are:
silicon (Si), oxygen (O), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), aluminum (Al),
calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), potassium (K), titanium (Ti), phosphorous (P),
carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and sulfur (S). Alone and in various
combinations and proportions they make an amazing variety of materials
including basalt, diamonds, and water.
As for the effects of each on the environment, oxygen, calcium, carbon,
hydrogen and sulfur would be the key elements to track. I suggest you
read "Consider a Spherical Cow" by John Harte. It follows these elements
in the atmosphere, water, and rocks.
Steve Mattox, University of North Dakota
Suggested Reference:
John Harte, 1988, Consider a Spherical Cow: A course in environmental
problem solving: Mill Valley, California, University Science Books, 283 p.
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