Volcanic Hazards and Benefits

Pyroclastic flows

Lava Flows

Mauna Loa

Lahars

Ash Fall

Branches break Building collapse

Ash plume

Gold

Copper

Granite

Diamonds

Blue Lagoon, Iceland – Tourist Attractions

• The Blue Lagoon (Icelandic: "Bláa Lónið") geothermal spa is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland. The steamy waters are part of an other-worldly lava formation.

• The warm waters are rich in minerals like silica and sulfur and bathing in the Blue Lagoon is reputed to help many with skin diseases like psoriasis. Water temperature in the bathing and swimming area of the lagoon averages 40C (104F).

• The lagoon is fed by the water output of a nearby geothermal power plant. Superheated water is vented from the ground near a lava flow and used to run turbines that generate electricity. After going through the turbines, the steam and hot water passes through a heat exchanger to provide heat for a municipal hot water heating system. Then the water is fed into the lagoon for recreational and medicinal users to bathe in.

Emerald Pool at Yellowstone National Park & the Geyser Old Faithful – Tourist Attractions

Geothermal Power in California – there are 14 areas where geothermal power is used to make

electricity

Heimaey, Iceland – new land created by lava flow enhanced shelter at the harbour

1973 lava flow – eruption of Eldfell

Fertile soils, Etna in SicilyAdventurers & tourists attracted to the area

Mt Fuji, Japan – natural beauty

Crater Lake, Oregon – natural beauty

Defensive sites - Edinburgh

1780

Opportunity to study plant succession e.g. on Surtsey