Reason |
Explanation |
State of activity |
If the volcano is dormant, the volcano has not erupted in living memory. People living around it would not think of it as a threat. It is also highly unlikely to erupt in their lifetime too. |
Farming |
When volcanoes erupt they release ash. The ash on the soil will immediately damage the existing crops, however over time when ash is weathered into the soil, it makes it really fertile. That means the soil now can produce more crops, and better quality crops. Farmers now can make more money from the land. |
Tourism |
Volcano tourism is big business for communities that live next to volcanoes. Millions of tourists visit volcanoes each year. Not only can people make money from being tour guides, they can make money from merchandise, hotels and transport. |
Minerals |
Lava from deep within the earth contain minerals that can be extracted once the lava has cooled. These include gold, diamonds, silver, copper and zinc. Often mining towns develop around volcanoes to extract these minerals. Australia is currently the world’s largest producer of diamonds. E.g. The Argyle diamond pipe in North Western Australia. |
Geothermal Energy |
This is a renewable way to get energy. It uses steam from underground which has been heated by magma. The steam drives turbines which creates the energy. Countries such as Iceland and New Zealand use this way of creating electricity a lot. You can also create geothermal energy on a small scale in your back garden. |
Family ties |
Some people don’t want to move because it is where all their friends and family live. It is where they always have lived and they have a family legacy there. |