Volcanoes do a lot of damage, but there are advantages connected to volcanoes. As an example, new land masses are formed. The Hawaiian Islands were created by volcanic activity.

When volcanoes erupt, the lava releases some healthy gases, including hydrogen and carbon dioxide. When hydrogen mixes with oxygen, it creates water vapor and that begins the water cycle. Plants use carbon dioxide to make food for themselves.

There are many rich deposits found in volcanic bombs and cooled lava that turns into rock. Different metals and gems are found in the rock layers. Copper, silver, and gold have all been found.

Some of the world’s biggest diamonds come from volcanic rocks. The volcanic chimneys in South Africa and the Soviet Union are filled with diamonds. Opal, zircon, tourmaline, topaz, aquamarine, moonstone, green crystals and beryl can all be found in the rocks and hardened magma. Pumice, a type of volcanic rock, is used in many different ways. Obsidian is also found in the rocks. The early people made arrowheads from it because sharp edges and points can be made from it.

Important minerals are also found in the lava. They are lead, zinc, mercury, chlorine, basalt and silica.

The solid, lighter volcanic material called pozzuolana is mixed with cement and used in the construction of buildings. Pozzuolana from the volcano on Santorini was used to build the Suez Canal. Many Italian villages, Mexican temples, and French churches are made from nothing but cooled lava.

Volcanic dust and volcanic ash contain the same important minerals as the volcanic bombs. As the dust and ash seep into the soil, the soil becomes very fertile. The soil is also enriched by the chemicals that are released during the eruption. Plants and crops are soon able to grow back and are better than before.

In Hawaii, New Zealand and Iceland, the hot rocks in the earth’s crust heat the water underground. The heated water gives off steam and the steam is used to make electricity. This kind of energy is called geothermal energy. It is a very clean type of energy and doesn’t pollute the environment. The heated water is also pumped into people’s homes. People in Hawaii, new Zealand, Iceland and japan use the warm water from volcanoes and make electricity from its steam. Even in a few spots in the United States, electricity is generated through a turbine for street lights.