Volcanic soil is fertile ground for coffee beans.
Most people usually associate the word volcano with negative images: large explosions, lava flows, material destruction, death, etc. The reality, however, is that there are actually many positive aspects to volcanoes. Benefits of volcanoes include soil fertility, geothermal energy, industrial applications, and recreation and tourism.
Agriculture: Volcanic soils possess nutrients that make them among the most fertile in the world. The best coffee beans in the world, for example, grow at elevation in volcanic soils in a tropical climate. Central American countries such as Costa Rica are renowned for their coffee beans grown on the slopes of volcanoes. Grape vines also grow particularly well in volcanic soils.
The Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Station in Iceland generates 120 megawatts of electrical power, and provides enough geothermal water to heat 95% of the buildings in the capital, Reykjavik.
Geothermal Energy: Hot steam produced by high temperatures in the Earth provides energy for consumer and industrial use. The steam is used to drive turbines to produce electrical energy. The hot water is used directly to meet heating and hot water needs for communities. Iceland, for example, because of its unique geological location, is able to meet 24% of its electrical needs through geothermal power. In addition, 87% of all heating and hot water needs are met through geothermal energy.
The light density of pumice is illustrated by a U.S. $20 bill supporting a piece of pumice.
Industrial Applications: Many industrial products are made using volcanic materials. Pumice, for example, a special type of solidified, frothy lava is widely used in products such as polishes, pencil erasers, cosmetic exfoliants, and soap. It is also widely used in making strong, lightweight concrete.
Minerals such as copper, gold, silver, lead, and zinc are also associated with magma deposits found within volcanoes.
Recreation and Tourism: Volcanic landforms provide abundant opportunities for recreation and tourism. Examples include observing geysers and boiling mud baths, relaxing in hot springs and therapeutic spas, skiing on volcanoes, and hiking across volcanic landforms.
The “original” geyser, Geysir only erupts now at irregular intervals ever since tourists threw rocks into it in 1950 in an attempt to set it off. Strokkur (pictured above), however, right beside Geysir still erupts regularly.
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Around 150 B.C.E., Romans discovered that mixing two parts volcanic ash with one part of limestone, with water produced a lightweight concrete that was strong and water resistant. Go to Travel Link...