Volcanic Hazards
Volcanic hazards are the dangerous physical phenomena associated with volcanic activity that pose risks to human populations. They include lava flows, pyroclastic density currents, volcanic ash and gases, lahars, lava domes, and ballistic projectiles. Different eruption types produce different hazards depending on magma composition and water involvement.
Real World
The 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines produced pyroclastic flows travelling at 100 km/h and ejected 10 km³ of ash, cooling global temperatures by 0.5°C for two years.
Exam Focus
Distinguish primary hazards (lava, pyroclastic flows) from secondary hazards (lahars, famine) — this classification earns analysis marks.
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