Why may volcanic areas offer opportunities as well as problems to people living there?

Answer 1

The soil surrounding a volcano, which contains some volcanic ash, is often very fertile and good for farming. Some volcanic areas have hot springs that have been used for bathing. The volcanoes of Iceland are a major source of geothermal power. In modern times, volcanoes often bring tourism to an area, which is an economic booster. People may also mine sulfur deposits or sell volcanic rocks such as pumice and scoria for various purposes. Many of our diamonds have been brought to the surface by ancient kimberlite volcanoes.

However, living in a volcanic region can be dangerous. Depending on the kind of volcano and how close you are to it, dangers may include lava flows, mudflows, pyroclastic flows, toxic gasses, landslides and earthquakes. Even at a distance, ashfall from a volcano can pose a health risk. Ash clouds are also dangerous to aircraft, as the ash clogs and damages the engines.