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Volcanic Eruptions in News


Context:

Two major volcanic eruptions have been reported recently:

  • Mount Etna (Italy) erupted, spewing lava and drawing thousands of tourists, raising safety concerns.
  • Mount Dukono (Indonesia) erupted, releasing a 2,000-meter ash cloud, prompting aviation warnings and public safety advisories.

Mount Etna (Italy)



Volcanic Eruptions in News

Location & Type:

  • Located in Sicily, Italy, Mount Etna is Europe’s highest and most active stratovolcano (~3,350 meters).
  • A stratovolcano is a tall, conical volcano characterized by explosive eruptions and lava flows.

Recent Eruption Details:

  • The eruption originated from the Bocca Nuova crater, also known as the “new mouth.”
  • Lava interactions with snow have increased the risk of phreatomagmatic explosions, where rapid steam expansion can trigger rock explosions.
  • The eruption led to ash plumes affecting local air traffic and causing temporary flight disruptions.

Geological Significance:

  • Mount Etna is situated on the convergent boundary between the African and Eurasian plates, making it prone to frequent eruptions.
  • It plays a crucial role in understanding plate tectonics and volcanic activity in the Mediterranean region.

Mount Dukono (Indonesia)

Volcanic Eruptions in News

Location & Type:

  • Mount Dukono is an active stratovolcano located on Halmahera Island, North Maluku, Indonesia (~1,087 meters).
  • It is one of Indonesia’s most persistently active volcanoes, frequently emitting volcanic ash.

Recent Eruption Details:

  • The eruption sent a 2,000-meter ash column into the sky, affecting air quality and visibility.
  • The Volcanic Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA) issued an orange-level aviation warning, restricting flights within a 5 km radius of the volcano.
  • Authorities have advised residents to avoid a 4 km danger zone around the Malupang Warirang crater due to risks of ashfall and lava flows.

Geological Significance:

  • Indonesia is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area with frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to active subduction zones.
  • Mount Dukono’s persistent activity helps scientists study long-term volcanic behavior and hazard mitigation.

Impact of Volcanic Eruptions

1. Environmental Impact:

  • Air Pollution: Volcanic ash clouds contain harmful gases like sulfur dioxide (SO₂), affecting air quality.
  • Climate Effects: Large-scale eruptions can lead to temporary cooling by releasing aerosols that reflect sunlight.

2. Human & Economic Impact:

  • Aviation Disruptions: Ash clouds pose severe risks to aircraft engines, leading to flight cancellations and diversions.
  • Health Hazards: Exposure to volcanic ash can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, and eye problems.
  • Tourism & Economy: While eruptions attract tourists, they also pose risks and damage local infrastructure.

Way Forward: Managing Volcanic Risks

1. Early Warning Systems:

  • Strengthening seismic monitoring and satellite-based tracking of volcanic activity.

2. Public Awareness & Evacuation Plans:

  • Governments should conduct public drills and ensure accessible emergency shelters.

3. Aviation Safety Measures:

  • Airlines must follow volcanic ash advisories and adjust flight routes accordingly.

4. Research & International Collaboration:

  • Scientific cooperation between geologists, meteorologists, and disaster management agencies to predict and mitigate volcanic risks.

Conclusion

The recent eruptions of Mount Etna and Mount Dukono highlight the ongoing volcanic activity in tectonically active regions. While these eruptions provide insights into Earth's geology, they also pose significant environmental, health, and economic challenges. Governments and disaster management agencies must enhance monitoring, improve preparedness, and ensure public safety in high-risk areas.

MCQs for UPSC CSE

1. Mount Etna, which recently erupted, is located in which country?

A) Indonesia
B) Italy
C) Japan
D) Philippines

Answer: B) Italy

2. What is the primary cause of volcanic activity at Mount Etna?

A) Divergent plate boundary
B) Hotspot activity
C) Convergent plate boundary between the African and Eurasian plates
D) Transform fault movement

Answer: C) Convergent plate boundary between the African and Eurasian plates

3. Mount Dukono is part of which tectonic zone?

A) Mid-Atlantic Ridge
B) Pacific Ring of Fire
C) East African Rift Valley
D) Himalayan Collision Zone

Answer: B) Pacific Ring of Fire

4. What is the primary hazard of volcanic ash for aviation?

A) Increased air turbulence
B) Reduced oxygen levels
C) Engine failure due to ash melting inside turbines
D) Radio communication interference

Answer: C) Engine failure due to ash melting inside turbines

5. Which global organization monitors volcanic activity and provides aviation warnings?

A) UNESCO
B) World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
C) International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
D) United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Answer: C) International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

Mains Question for UPSC CSE

Q: Discuss the impact of volcanic eruptions on the environment, economy, and human health. Suggest measures to mitigate the risks associated with volcanic activity. (250 words)

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