IGCSE Geography 0460
Geography 0460 Case Studies
2.1.2 A volcano
Location: Soufriere Hills, Montserrat
Facts:
- Montserrat is an island in the Carribean
- An active, complex stratovolcano with many lava domes
- Destructive/convergent plate boundary between Carribean and North American plates
Eruptions:
- In mid-1995, it become active after 4000 years of dormancy
- In 1996, it erupted
Impacts:
- Mudflows, lava flows
- Ash, steam, and rocks caused all Southern inhabitants (agricultural part) to evacuate
- Largest settlement of 4000, Plymouth evacuated
→ Plymouth was the centre of offices, shops, and services, markets, post offices, cinemas - Temporary sewage tanks rarely emptied
→ Contaminated water, spread of disease like cholera - 11,000 population halved
Opportunities:
- In 2010, began sand mining
- Geothermal energy → 2 wells drilled
- Tourism
→ New airport was built after eruption
→ Ferry services
Location: Mount Fuji, Japan
Facts:
- Stratovolcano
- 16 known eruptions, last eruption was in 1707, still classified as active
- National symbol of Japan
Opportunities:
- Rich volcano soil good for farming
- Major tourist attraction – during the 2024 summer climbing season, around 204.32 thousand people climbed Mount Fuji. Attractions include climbing and hot springs. Very aesthetic and beautiful.
- Mining opportunities – Basalt
Last updated: Feb 2025