HOW DO VOLCANOES EFFECT ANIMALS?
HOW DO VOLCANOES EFFECT PLANT LIFE?
Anonymous
Dear Reader,
The impact of volcanoes on plants and animals depends on the type of
eruption and distance from the vent. For example, if an eruption
produces ash that is raining down through the air some plants and
animalswill be buried, burned or suffocate. If the ash is greater than
six feet(2 m) all plants will die. Animals at the edge of the ash cloud may be
able to move to better conditions. Plants at the edge of the ash cloud
may be able to survive and grow in the ash. Lava flows burn and bury
everything in their path. Some animals might leave the area but many get
surrounded by lava and ultimately die. New plants must reclaim the
surface of the flow. Even the gases released by volcanoes can damage
plants by producing acid rain. Loss of crops can lead to famine and/or
economic problems.
Steve Mattox, University of North Dakota
Source of information:
Blong, R.J., 1984, Volcanic hazards a sourcebook on the effects of
eruptions: Academic Press, New York, 424 p.
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