Q. Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional environment.

Model Answer: 

The year 2021 witnessed several significant volcanic eruptions globally, each with distinct environmental impacts on their respective regions. Notable eruptions occurred in various parts of the world, affecting local ecosystems and communities.

Major volcanic eruptions in 2021 included:

• Fagradalsfjall, Iceland (March)
• Mount Nyiragongo, Democratic Republic of Congo (May)
• La Soufrière, St. Vincent and the Grenadines (April)
• Cumbre Vieja, La Palma, Spain (September)

These eruptions had diverse environmental impacts on their regional surroundings:

• Air quality deterioration: Volcanic ash and gas emissions led to reduced air quality, affecting both human health and local flora. For instance, sulfur dioxide from La Palma’s eruption reached as far as the Caribbean.

• Landscape alteration: Lava flows dramatically reshaped landscapes, destroying vegetation and habitats. In La Palma, over 1,000 hectares were covered by lava.

• Water source disruption: Ash contamination and changes in local hydrology affected water supplies. The Nyiragongo eruption threatened Lake Kivu, risking a limnic eruption.

• Soil composition changes: Volcanic deposits altered soil chemistry, impacting agricultural productivity. In St. Vincent, ash deposits affected crop yields.

• Biodiversity impacts: Local fauna faced displacement or loss of habitat, while some plant species struggled to survive in ash-covered areas.

The severity and nature of these impacts varied based on factors such as eruption type, duration, and local geography. For example, Iceland’s eruption had minimal impact due to its remote location, while La Palma’s caused significant disruption to inhabited areas.

Conclusion: These eruptions significantly altered regional environments, demonstrating the powerful and diverse impacts of volcanic activity on local ecosystems and communities.