Michael Conte, Jr.
Volcanoes, a source of great power, beauty, destruction and benefit to man have been written, talked and wondered about for centuries. Volcanoes, simply stated, are openings in the Earth’s surface through which molten rock (magma) has come out. When we look at volcanoes, however, we get a different picture formed—that of a cone shaped mountain spewing forth lava and gases. Scientists believe that in order to have volcanoes, magma must be present 20-40 miles below the surface of the Earth and have a conduit to carry the rocks and gases to the surface. (see diagram B) The familiar cone shapes of the volcanoes are built up, not from lava, but from ashes and cinders along with other debris thrown out.
Although still feared, volcanoes produce by-products that are useful to man. The volcanoes have built new islands that eventually could be inhabited; have a great effect in forming the Earth’s atmosphere (see book by H. Stommel in the bibliography that addresses the effects volcanoes have on the atmosphere. In particular, this book discusses a notable turnabout in the seasons once suffered through in New England.); created water by combining gases; are being harnessed to produce electricity (Italy and New Zealand) from steam; pumice for grinding; sulphur to make chemicals; good farmland from lava and ash; and finally the lava itself, used to help produce a water source because of its porous qualities and traprock used in various forms of building.