Volcano Eruption Affect on Temperate Forest

Natural Disasters occur all the time, though with different severities. Fires and earthquakes are events that occur daily, however ones with great impact are not as frequent. One of the most severe natural disaster is a volcanic eruption, which can destroy anything within miles from it. 

So what would happen to a Temperate Forest if a volcanic eruption occurred?

Well, animals are able to detect a volcanic eruption before they happens. They can sense changes in the land around them, and flee before being put in danger. Also, some plants, such as moss, can thrive near volcanos by extracting nutrients from the ash and cooled lava. Birds that can fly are good off, because they can migrate away from the increased temperature through migration. 

http://www.crsuntours.com/daily-departures-modules/arenal-volcano-monteverde-cloud-forest-reserve-4d-3n/

http://www.akinonyx.com/cr/arenal/

http://amazingmasterpiece.blogspot.com/2012/10/volcanic-eruptions.html#.U1SI0NyZYuk

Just the explosion of a volcano and the rocks that fall following the explosion would wipe out many plants and animals. Also, gases that it releases, such as hydrogen sulphide, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen fluoride, and carbon monoxide, all are poisonous to animals and will result in a large amount of deaths. There is also acid rain, which kills all vegetation and animals.

http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/images/pglossary/FissureEruption_examps.php

http://thecelestialconvergence.blogspot.com/2011/03/hawaii-volcano-alert-kilauea-volcano.html

http://geology.com/volcanoes/volcanic-hazards/

http://www.soleducation.com/costa-rica/excursions

The lava from the volcano will destroy any plant or animal that it comes into contact with.

http://3enscience.wordpress.com/2010/04/27/volcanic-ash-eruption-in-icelandariffin’s/

http://geology.com/articles/volcanic-ash.shtml

All of the volcanic ash will form a thick cloud, making breathing for the animals nearly impossible. Then the ash falls to the floor of the forest will form a thick layer, covering all of the plants. This would kill the plants, because they can get no sunlight, and the animals, because they cannot eat the plants. The ash would also mix into the water and forms a material like concrete.

The factor that will cause the most loss of animal life will be the pyroclastic flow, which is when all of the hot gas and rock that is lifted by the eruption moves in a current away from the volcano at speeds of up to 450 mph and temperatures of up to 1800 degrees F. 

A lahar may also occur, which is a mudflow of rock debris that runs along a river. It can move very fast, wiping out anything in its way.

http://www.wallpapersat.com/wallpaper/mega-volcano-forest.html

http://listverse.com/2007/10/20/top-10-natural-disasters/

http://www.chrisharris.com/newsletter/62/2010-sep.html

A volcanic eruption in a temperate forest could cause a wildfire, which could burn thousands of acres.

http://widedscreen.com/volcano-forest-wallpaper/

http://www.nps.gov/havo/parknews/current-kilauea-volcano-activity.htm

When the lava hardens, rock is formed, and the vegetation underneath has a hard time growing. However, this rock eventually becomes nice fertile soil.

http://www.kscnet.ru/ivs/lavdi/staff/belousov/chik.html

http://www.photovolcanica.com/VolcanoInfo/Chaiten/Chaiten.html

http://www.photovolcanica.com/VolcanoInfo/Chaiten/Chaiten.html

http://www.photovolcanica.com/VolcanoInfo/Chaiten/Chaiten.html

http://www.photovolcanica.com/VolcanoInfo/Chaiten/Chaiten.html

http://www.jdonohue.com/parks/helens/helens.html

Eruptions have been known to cause damage fore than 10 miles away.

http://volcano.oregonstate.edu/how-do-volcanoes-affect-plants-and-animals

Luckily, volcanic soil is very rich, so plants can return once the lava is cooled. It is likely that smaller animals would more likely survive, because smaller animals are better at dissipating heat. Also, any type of weed would be the first thing to grow back, because it doesn't need much to grow.






Kaine, Rachel. "What Type of Animals Live Near Volcanos?." Animals-PawNation. AOL Inc.    

              http://animals.pawnation.com/type-animals-live-near-volcanoes-5862.html.

"Volcanos Affect Earth's Land, Air, and Soil", The Changing Earth. 

              http://www.auburnschools.org/drake/tcurry/Science/272-278.pdf.