Volcanoes are Beautiful
A volcano is a vent or opening in the Earth’s crust through which lava, rock, ash and gases erupt. Volcanoes are also formed into mountains through the accumulation of the volcanic eruptive elements. When one thinks of volcanoes, generally negative and fearful descriptors come to mind such as destructive, disruptive, dangerous, deadly and ominous; and yes, a volcano is certainly all of these things. But, did you know that after a volcano eruption there is a cooling and after the cooling new life emerges?
Yes, life can come from death and destruction. I had no idea myself! When I studied the life cycle of a volcano I was astounded. Volcanoes create life! After the volatility, eruption of lava and cool down, new earth emerges and even an underground life cycle forms.
In short, volcanic activity involves tectonic plates that move in the crust of the Earth. Earth is comprised of several layers of crust 37 miles thick. The smaller pieces of crust are called tectonic plates. The tectonic plates float on magma- the semi-liquid rock and gasses. All of these exist at the core of the earth. Movement is constantly happening in the earth and when tectonic plates shift and move past each other, magma is forced through the cracks and openings or fissures in the earth. As a result, magma can explode from the vent and flow out of the mouth of the volcano. Erupted magma is called lava.
There are many types of active volcanoes. There are also dormant volcanoes with thousands of years with no activity or eruption. Here are three of the common volcanic types: 1. Stratovolcanoes can erupt with great violence. 2. Cinder or Scoria Cones (the most common type) erupt, but with rapidly cooling lava or 3. Shield volcanoes (these are huge volcanoes) with thin lava and Lava Domes (& viscous lava flow).
One of the most famous volcanic eruptions that occurred in ancient history was Mount Vesuvius in Italy in 79 A.D. When Mount Vesuvius erupted, it buried the city of Pompeii, killing an entire population. They people knew not of any volcanic warning until it was too late. But the warning signs were evident, silently brewing in the big Mountain. After a volcanic eruption (which can block the sun), rain falls creating sulfuric acid can create an extreme cooling effect, affecting climate change. Underground, magma creates tunnels that form lava caves.
Side bar: Caves can create. These caves are formed in volcanic rock thus creating “lavacicles” or stalactites. Lava Stalactites form when lava is still flowing through the tube. Molten portions of the ceiling drip downward some portions. When the portions cool and harden stalactites are formed. These lava caves form ecosystems; thus new life begins. Bats flock to the cave for habitation. Bat droppings are the feed for insects and bugs that creep underground as their new home. Various insect species are developed on the tree roots that infiltrate the caves ceilings. Animals such as bears, mammals and cats are drawn to the cozy, dark mysterious caves. And thus, a new life cycle has begun. Above ground, Galapagos turtles are drawn to the cooled lava rock and enjoy this mineral as a nutritious, tasty treat.
In closing, just like a volcano, without warning, life can erupt with the most disruptive, unexpected, extreme, ominous and volatile elements (events) possible. So, the next time that you read about a volcanic eruption or activity, just realize that a new life cycle is imminent. Your volcano may come without warning like it did for the people in Pompeii. Perhaps your volcano is dormant or one that can erupt with great violence like the Stratovolcano.
Life can and will erupt in the form of volatility and create ecosystems of energy, change, beauty, re-growth, nutrients & opportunity. Remember that in the time of crisis, opportunity exists and can be birthed/created.
Volcano: Ecosystem
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