Name of Learner: [Insert Your Name]

Grade: 10
Subject: Geography

Topic: Volcanoes have positive and negative impacts on people and the
environment.
I agree.
Volcanoes are one of the most interesting and powerful natural things on Earth. Some
people fear volcanoes, while others see them as something beautiful and helpful. I agree
that volcanoes have both positive and negative effects on people and the environment. In
this essay, I will explain how volcanoes work, how they can be dangerous, but also how
they can help people and nature in many ways.

A volcano is a mountain or hill that has an opening where lava, ash, and gases come out
during an eruption. This happens when pressure builds up inside the Earth and magma
(hot melted rock) rises to the surface. When the pressure becomes too much, it causes an
eruption. Volcanoes usually happen where the Earth’s plates meet. These plates are
always moving slowly, and when they crash into each other or move apart, it can lead to
volcanic activity.

There are different types of volcanoes. The main types are shield volcanoes, composite
volcanoes, and cinder cone volcanoes. Shield volcanoes have gentle slopes and are not
very explosive. Composite volcanoes are tall and can be very explosive. Cinder cone
volcanoes are smaller and have steep sides. The type of volcano affects how dangerous it
is and how it erupts.

Volcanoes can be very helpful in different ways. One of the best things about volcanoes
is that they make soil rich and fertile. The ash and lava that come from volcanoes break
down over time and add minerals to the soil. This makes it easier to grow crops. For
example, in places like Indonesia and Italy, people grow a lot of crops near volcanoes
because the soil is very good.

Another good thing is geothermal energy. This is a kind of energy that comes from the
heat inside the Earth. In countries like Iceland, people use geothermal energy to heat their
homes and get electricity. This type of energy is clean and renewable, which means it
doesn’t pollute the environment like coal or oil.

Volcanoes also attract tourists. Many people travel to see volcanoes like Mount Etna in
Italy or Mount Kilauea in Hawaii. This brings money to the local economy and helps
businesses like hotels and restaurants. Tour guides, photographers, and scientists can all
get jobs because of volcanoes.

Even though volcanoes have many good sides, they can also be very dangerous. One of
the worst things is that they can destroy towns, houses, and farms. When a volcano
erupts, it can send lava flowing down the mountain, and that lava burns everything in its
way. There can also be ash clouds, pyroclastic flows (which are fast-moving hot gas and
rock), and mudflows.

People can die during eruptions. Animals and plants can also be killed. For example, in
1980, Mount St. Helens in the USA erupted and killed 57 people. In 2010, the
Eyjafjallajökull eruption in Iceland caused big problems for airplanes because of the ash
cloud.

The air around a volcano can become unhealthy. Ash can cause breathing problems,
especially for people with asthma. Water sources can also be poisoned by volcanic
materials. This can affect farming and drinking water.

Volcanoes can also cause secondary disasters like tsunamis and earthquakes. When a
volcano erupts near or under the sea, it can cause a huge wave called a tsunami, which
can damage towns along the coast.

Even though volcanoes are dangerous, millions of people still live near them. This is
because of the good things volcanoes bring, like good soil and jobs. Some people are
born there and don’t want to leave. Others accept the risk because the benefits are worth
it.

In places where volcanoes are active, governments use warning systems to keep people
safe. Scientists watch volcanoes using tools that can detect movement, heat, and gases.
This helps warn people before a volcano erupts. Some countries have evacuation plans so
people can leave quickly if an eruption happens.

Some people might say that volcanoes are too dangerous and we should not live near
them. It’s true that volcanoes can cause a lot of damage, and sometimes it’s hard to
escape in time. But I believe that if people are careful, have warning systems, and are
prepared, then they can still live safely near volcanoes. The benefits like energy, jobs, and
farming can help a country grow.

In conclusion, volcanoes are powerful and unpredictable. They can destroy lives and
property, but they also give people many gifts like rich soil, energy, and money from
tourism. I agree that volcanoes have both positive and negative impacts on people and the
environment. It is important to respect them and learn how to live with them safely. We
cannot stop volcanoes from erupting, but we can be smart about how we prepare and use
the benefits they bring.
Bibliography
De Vos, A.S. 1998. *Research at Grassroots*. Pretoria: Van Schaik.

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2023. Volume 12, ‘Volcanoes’, pp. 125–130.

[Link]

Jordan, Jennifer, ‘Living Near Volcanoes’. *National Geographic*. Volume 64, (2020):
p. 45.

Powers, Ann, ‘Volcanoes: Nature's Force’. *The New York Times*. New York, NY.
(4/2/20): Section 2, p. 34.