This is question 3

Hey there!

this is the next part of the project and it is done by Vanessa Kwa.

Her question is:

Why do people still live at areas where volcanoes are found?

The presence of minerals, geothermal energy and fertile soil are some reasons why people want to live near volcanoes.

Minerals like tin, silver, gold, copper and diamonds can be found in volcanic rocks due to the various precipitations. Most of the mined metallic materials in particular silver, gold and copper are associated with the rocks found below extinct volcanoes. Large-scale mining and small-scale activities are thus ideal for the people living near the area. Of course, active and dormant volcanoes are like the extinct ones, where they are rich source of minerals. As the minerals are brought up by sulphur, which will be at the vents, the locals are able to collect the gas and sell it.

Geothermal energy, better known as heat energy from the earth, can be obtained just by drilling some really deep holes into the volcanic rocks and pumping cold water down one hole. The heat energy can heat water supplies, which allow household to have hot water. It also produces electricity, which the locals need.

Fertile soils from the volcanic rocks can only be obtained after thousands of years when they would have weathered and broken down. The locals make use of these very rich soils to cultivate very big and strong crops in which they can sell or eat. These crops create more diverse wildlife, which too, creates tourism. The wildlife can also be taught in schools in those areas.

The amazing sights of a volcano eruption often attract many tourists. They may also be fascinated by the hot springs or bathing lakes that surround some volcanoes. Shops, restaurants, hotels and tourist centres will be set up because of the large number of tourists. This means there will be plenty of jobs like tour guides for the locals. This, thus, also contributes to the factors on why people still want to live near volcanoes.

Source: http://www.geography-site.co.uk/pages/physical/earth/volcanoes/volcanoliving.html