How Volcanoes Affect The Environment

We usually think of volcanoes as just big mountains with lava spewing out of the top damaging everything in their path, but they can have a positive impact as well. How do volcanoes affect people and the environment? Volcanic lava and ash adds nutrients to plants and soil. They also provide great scenery, attracting tourists from all over the world.

Volcanoes benefit the environment because after they erupt, the lava dries into rock which eventually breaks down and forms a rich soil. Plants found in Hawaii are among the most lush in the world because of this soil. After the volcanic deposition breaks down, it provides nutrients to the plants. “The soil is so rich that farmers often plant different crops intermingled with each other to maximize the use of every square inch available.”(McDonaugh 61) …show more content…
The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers an amazing view to see the Kilauea Volcano and the Waiohinu Valley. When you are driving on Highway 11 in Hawaii, you can see newer lava and older lava. “The Kau Scenic Byway offers by far the longest stretches of unspoiled natural scenery to be found anywhere in the inhabited Hawaiian Islands.” (Mauna Loa 11)

As you can see, volcanoes are not simply destructive natural disasters waiting to happen, but can also have long lasting positive effects for a community. A volcanic eruption increases nutrients in the soil which helps plants to grow. This lush plant life along with the dramatic views of a volcano attract visitors and their tourist dollars to places like