UPSC CSE 2021 Main GS Paper 1
Question 7- Mention the global occurrences of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional environment.
Answer
According to the Global Volcanism Program, there were 81 confirmed eruptions at some point during 2021 from 76 different volcanoes; 33 of those were new eruptions that started during the year. Some of the most notable volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional environment are:
Cumbre Vieja, Spain: This volcano on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands erupted on 19 September 2021, after 50 years of dormancy. The eruption produced lava flows that destroyed more than 2,000 buildings, displaced about 7,000 people, and covered about 1,000 hectares of land. The eruption also caused air pollution, ash fall, gas emissions, and earthquakes in the region. The eruption is still ongoing as of January 2022.
Mount Nyiragongo, DR Congo: This volcano near the city of Goma erupted on 22 May 2021, after 19 years of quiescence. The eruption generated fast-moving lava flows that reached the outskirts of Goma, killing at least 32 people and affecting about half a million people. The eruption also triggered a humanitarian crisis, as thousands of people fled their homes due to the threat of further eruptions, gas explosions, and landslides. The eruption ended on 8 June 2021.
Fagradalsfjall, Iceland: This volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula erupted on 19 March 2021, after more than 800 years of inactivity. The eruption produced a series of lava fountains and flows that created a new cone and covered about four square kilometers of land. The eruption attracted thousands of visitors who witnessed the spectacle of glowing lava. The eruption also emitted sulfur dioxide and other gases that affected the air quality in nearby areas. The eruption ended on 24 September 2021.
Pacaya, Guatemala: This volcano south of Guatemala City erupted on 19 February 2021, after three years of low-level activity. The eruption produced lava flows that reached up to seven kilometers long, as well as ash plumes that rose up to four kilometers high. The eruption damaged crops, roads, and infrastructure, and forced the evacuation of hundreds of people. The eruption also posed a threat to the nearby international airport and the capital city. The eruption is still active as of January 2022.
Mount Etna, Italy: This volcano in Sicily erupted several times throughout 2021, producing spectacular lava fountains, flows, and ash plumes. The eruptions affected the air quality, aviation, and infrastructure in the surrounding areas, as well as the tourism industry. The eruptions also caused some minor earthquakes and landslides.
Klyuchevskoy, Russia: This volcano in Kamchatka erupted from January to June 2021, sending ash plumes up to 10 kilometers high and lava flows up to 20 kilometers long. The eruptions posed a hazard to nearby villages and wildlife, as well as to aircraft flying over the region. The eruptions also created a new cinder cone on the flank of the volcano.
Mount Sinabung, Indonesia: This volcano in Sumatra erupted intermittently throughout 2021, producing ash plumes, pyroclastic flows, and lahars. The eruptions forced the evacuation of thousands of people living near the volcano, and damaged crops, houses, and roads. The eruptions also affected the health and livelihoods of the local population.