Volcanoes and Volcanic Eruptions

• Volcanoes are rock formations that emit gases and materials during eruptions.

Volcanic Eruption Steps

• Magma builds up in a chamber beneath the volcano.
• Pressure increases as magma rises in chambers below vents.
• Magma heat and pressure reach a breaking point.
• Magma presses through vents and releases into the atmosphere and onto the earth's surface.
• Dangerous gases release as a side effect.
• Carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide inhalation lead to health problems.
• GasesReleased can cause suffocation.

Components of Volcanic Eruptions

• Lava.
• Gases
• water vapor
• carbon dioxide
• sulfur dioxide
• Other gases, in smaller amounts.

Release of Volcanic Gases

• Gases are dissolved in magma, brought to the surface.
• Magma turns into lava and releases on the surface.
• Gases leave the magma and enter the atmosphere.

Water Vapor

• It is steam, the product of heat interacting with water.
• It is the most abundant gas during an eruption.
• Eruptions launch water vapor into the stratosphere, incorporating it into clouds.
• Volcanoes and emissions contribute to the water cycle.
• It can influence future watering of soil enriched by cooled magma.
• Emissions warm Earth's surface.
• Water vapor in the atmosphere traps heat, increasing global warming.

Carbon Dioxide

• It is a harmful gas expelled through eruptions.
• It has no odor or color.
• It is noncombustible.
• It is a greenhouse gas, heavier than air, accumulating in low-lying areas.
• High concentrations can be fatal to humans.
• It affects the warming of Earth's surface, leading to global warming.
• Absorption of heat rising from the earth's surface occurs.
• Energy is trapped in the atmosphere.
• A small amount of energy reflects to the earth, increasing the Earth's temperature.

Sulfur Dioxide

• It is a harmful gas released during eruptions.
• It creates sulfuric acid aerosols in the stratosphere.
• These aerosols reflect sunlight and heat into space.
• They may decrease global warming and climate change.
• Negative effects on the earth do occur
• It contributes to acid rain.
• It mixes with water in the atmosphere.
• Rain contains remnants of sulfur dioxide and other acids.

Other Volcanic Gases

• Hydrogen sulfide and hydrochloric acid release in trace amounts.
• Both acids harm human health.
• They damage the respiratory system and irritate the eyes.
• Other effects: headaches, nausea, somatic disorders.

Characteristics and Effects of Volcanic Gases

• Presence in the stratosphere and atmosphere.
• Harm to human and animal health.
• Contribution to the progression of climate change.

Precautions

• Avoid low-level areas near volcanoes.
• Disable ventilation systems if you live near a volcano.
• Turn off ventilation systems during an eruption.
• Stay inside, even if the home is damaged.
• Use cloth masks outdoors.
• Close and seal windows, doors, and openings.
• Close car windows and do not use air conditioning.
• Avoid water sources that may be contaminated by volcanic gases.
• River water can interact and mix with polluting gases.