Volcano Case Studies (MEDC AND LEDC)

Volcano Case Studies. Comparison between MEDCs and LEDCs

MOUNT PINATUBO (LEDC)

Background:

• Island of Luzon in the Phillippines, South East Asia.
• The eruption was caused by the subduction of the Phillippines plate under the Eurasian plate.
• Mount Pinatubo is part of the Luzon Volcanic arc---meaning that the process has occured offshore.
• Signs of eruption were recorded on April 2nd 1991: first rumblings after 450 years, small amount of ash thrown up to 800 metres in the air and for the next two months there were tremors recorded. Signs of
• Second-largest volcanic eruption of the last century as it affected a densely populated area.
• The eruption produced high-speed avalanches of hot ash and gas, giant mudflows and a cloud of volcanic ash hundreds of miles across. Flow travelling at 80kph. Seven more eruptions caused an ash cloud as wide as 18km and 16km high.
• At 10:30 am, a violent eruption forced debris up to 40km high into the air. Over 19 eruptions throughout the day.
• The event occurred on the 15th June 1991

Effects:

• 847 people killed (300 from collapsing rock, 100 from lahars and rest from disease like measles.)
• 650,000 workers  lost their jobs
• $700 million estimated in damage
• 1.2 million people had to migrate to shanty towns in Manila.
• No electricity, water contaimnated and telephone commuincations cut.
• Farmland destroyed (1991 harvest ruined)
  Heavy rainfall from Typhon Yunga caused buildings to collapse.

Global effects:

• 42% of globe is affected by aerosol cloud
• Solar energy increases
• Colourful…