GS Question

In 2021, several notable volcanic eruptions occurred around the world, impacting regional environments. Some of the significant volcanic events include:

1. Mount Etna, Italy: Mount Etna, one of the world's most active volcanoes, erupted multiple times in 2021. The eruptions led to the closure of Catania airport and covered nearby villages with ash, causing disruption to daily life. However, as eruptions are frequent in the region, local communities are prepared for such events.

2. Fagradalsfjall, Iceland: In March 2021, a volcanic eruption began in the Geldingadalur valley near Fagradalsfjall on the Reykjanes Peninsula. It was the first eruption on the peninsula in about 900 years. Although the eruption did not pose a significant threat to people or infrastructure, it attracted thousands of tourists, impacting the local environment and creating new volcanic landscapes.

3. La Soufrière, St. Vincent: La Soufrière volcano experienced a series of eruptions between April and May 2021, resulting in the evacuation of around 20,000 people on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent. The eruptions released a massive amount of ash and gas, burying nearby villages, damaging crops, and causing water scarcity. The environmental impact also included the destruction of vegetation and soil erosion.

4. Taal Volcano, Philippines: In July 2021, Taal Volcano, located south of Manila, erupted, spewing ash and steam kilometers into the air. The eruption resulted in the evacuation of thousands of people residing near the volcano. Ashfall affected nearby provinces, leading to the closure of schools and airports. The local agricultural sector suffered from crop damage and livestock loss, impacting the regional economy.

5. Raung Volcano, Indonesia: The Raung Volcano, located in East Java, experienced several eruptions in 2021, including in January and May. These eruptions released a vast amount of ash, affecting nearby communities and causing flight cancellations at regional airports. The volcanic ash polluted water sources and damaged vegetation, impacting local agriculture.

These volcanic eruptions highlight the diverse environmental impacts they can have on their respective regions, including air pollution, disruption to transportation, damage to crops and livestock, and displacement of communities. However, the long-term impact of volcanic eruptions can also lead to the formation of new landforms and contribute to soil fertility in some cases.