With reference to specific examples show how tectonic events may be considered advantages by certain communities.

The purpose of this essay is to examine how tectonic events may be considered advantages by certain communities. At the moment there are currently over 500 million people living in tectonic zones. While some people may not have a choice about living there, others do so because of the advantages that tectonic events have created, in particular: Mineral resources Fertile soils Geothermal energy Tourism

Tectonic events (volcanic eruptions) cause valuable mineral resources to be brought up to the earths surface and lava which solidifies to form volcanic rock like Pumice. Pumice is created by a mixture of lava and water; this means that lava has a high gas content causing it to be light weight. For this reason pumice is used to make lightweight concrete or low-density breeze blocks. In the mantle there are many different types of minerals. When the magma rises it brings the minerals with it. When the magma cools on the earths surface to form lava the minerals are deposited in the volcanic rock. Valuable minerals such as silver, gold, etc, can be deposited. El Indio, Chile is an example of a region that as a result of the tectonic events has a large gold resource. For the majority of these natural resources that are created as a result of tectonic event they cause economic development; because mineral resources are limited in quantity they are valuable.

Volcanic eruptions also eject ash which in the short run is harmful (respiratory illness) to the

Ollie Martin

Advantages of Tectonic Events

L6th

environment/ communities where as in the long run it settles as a thin layer of ash. Volcanic ash is rich in minerals. In the long run due to physical breakdown and chemical weathering this will form very fertile soils that are rich in minerals; therefore creating agricultural benefits. An example of the agricultural benefits can be seen on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, where there are large vineyards and orchards all benefiting from the fertile soils produced by tectonic events. In this fruit growing region the famous white wine Lacrima Christi is produced. A recent advantage of tectonic events is the ability to harness the heat energy in the earths mantle through geothermal energy. Tectonic events make the cores heat energy closer to the surface e.g volcanoes. Geothermal energy can be used for heating or to create electricity. There has recently been a rapid development in the use of geothermal energy technology to produce electricity because it is firstly a renewable energy source, and secondly is pollution free. Geothermal energy works by water on the earths surface (cold) being pumped down through pipes into the mantle (hot) where its heated this causes an increase in the pressure of the water in the pipe which cause the water to drive a turbine, thus providing a powerful energy source. Iceland is located in a region with a high concentration of volcanoes. In 2008 28% of Icelands electricity and 87% of Icelands hot water was produced by geothermal energy. The economic advantage of geothermal energy is that no natural resources are used up in the production of energy, thus making it a sustainable energy source; providing an environmental advantage. Tectonic events create unique and historical landforms. For this reason millions of tourist travel to visit tectonic landforms. A classic example is Mount Vesuvius that erupted in 79 AD; it buried the roman towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum in pumice and ash. It is has caused these two Roman towns to be persevered making the region a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historical status of this area has 2.6 million visitors per year; thus making tourism an important sector of the local economy. As a result of tourism jobs are created leading to economic development; a higher

Ollie Martin

Advantages of Tectonic Events

L6th

standard of living for the local communities. Tectonic events in the short term may be disadvantages; however in the long run there are some advantages: New mineral resources and volcanic rock, fertile soils, geothermal energy and tourism. All these advantages will result in economic development. Economic development causes an increase in the standard of living; therefore certain communities may consider tectonic events an advantage.

Ollie Martin

Advantages of Tectonic Events

L6th