Why is volcanic soil so fertile

Like a sponge, these soils also hold a lot of water. Fertility: When not highly weathered, volcanic soils are typically very fertile soils. However, volcanic soils form strong complexes with phosphorus.

When poorly managed, phosphorus can be limiting. For example, areas of Italy that are close to the famous volcano of Mount Vesuvius are famous for their incredible volcanic wines. Mount Vesuvius is best known for its eruption in 79 A. Today, long after this massive eruption, the local area is bathed in volcanic soil.

When grapes are grown in this andisol, they soak up unique minerals, making wines with great depth of flavor that have made the region famous. Volcanic soil is also very prevalent in Hawaii, where their volcanic islands are covered in lush, green jungle plants. Although Hawaii is still prone to volcanic activity, their eons of past eruptions have ensured that the mountainsides are fully prepared to feed and nourish all types of plant life. The North Island of New Zealand is another part of the world where volcanic soil has contributed to verdant, fertile pastures.

Volcanic loams from eruptions over forty thousand years ago are present in the Waikato and the appropriately named Bay of Plenty areas of the country. This leads to excellent pasture growth for sheep and cows, as well as successful agricultural development. Volcanic soil, also called andisol, forms after a volcanic eruption deposits a layer of ash, pumice, and igneous rock over the area affected by that eruption. Although the initial eruption can be devastating to live in the region, over time a process called weathering breaks down the volcanic materials into dirt and soil.

When a volcano erupts, it sends things called pyroclasts into the air. These are particles of cooled magma that fall down onto the ground due to gravity. Pyroclasts can take various forms, such as flakes or solid stones. In this state, they are easily absorbed into the soil to become a continuous supply of essential nutrients to the plants found in the region. Volcanic action leading to the emergence of fertile soils has greatly contributed to agriculture as an economic activity. In Hawaii , for instance, agriculture gained ground between the 15 th and 18 th century due to volcanicity and has grown ever since.

Cultivation of food crops including sweet potatoes led to the growth of chiefdoms which had a huge influence on the societies of Hawaii as seen today. In addition to fertile soil, volcanic action also leads to the formation of gems, precious stones and valuable minerals such as gold and uranium. These have a wide array of uses from making jewelry, electronics and weapon manufacture. Volcanism has also led to geothermal energy as an alternative source of energy which contributes a significant quota of electricity production in some countries like Iceland , Kenya , and the Philippines.

They can cause rain, thunder and lightning. Volcanoes can also have long-term effects on the climate, making the world cooler. Fast-moving lava can kill people and falling ash can make it hard for them to breathe. They can also die from famine, fires and earthquakes which can be related to volcanoes. What happens during a volcanic eruption? Once there's enough molten rock — called magma — and enough pressure on it, a volcanic eruption occurs. In many volcanoes, the magma rises up through a central tube or "throat," and emerges out the top of the mountain.

In other places, lava, gases and ash flow out through vents. Why are volcanoes important? Volcanic dust, ash and rocks decompose into soils with an exceptional ability to hold nutrients and water, making them very fertile.

These rich volcanic soils, called andisols, form about 1 percent of the Earth's available surface. Volcanoes continue to heat their local environments. How does volcano affect human life? People can lose their possessions as volcanoes can destroy houses, roads and fields. Lava can kill plants and animals too.

How long do volcanic eruptions last?