Volcano case study:Mt Merapi,Indonesia 2023
Causes of Eruption：
It is an active volcano in the center of Java Island, located between
the Eurasian plate and the Indo-Australian plate moving toward each other.
（shield volcano）
At destructive boundaries oceanic crust is destroyed as it is forced below
the less dense continental crust. The partially melted rock forces its
way to an area of lower pressure ready to erupt.
There have been 68 eruptions since 1548, an average of once every two
or three years.353 people were killed and 577 people were injured in
eruption of 2010.
Volcanic ash spews from Mount Marapi in West Sumatra on December 3,
2023.
Primary and Secondary effects of the Eruption
The primary effects of the eruption The secondary effects of the eruption

Cars and roads covered with

Most of the habitats near the
ash
volcano have been destroyed,

Stranding and injuring
people had to endure harsh living
climbers
in shelters.

About 75 climbers started up

Transport remained a problem for
the nearly 9,480-foot mountain
people as the port and airport
on Saturday and became
remain closed.
stranded.

The tourist industry is still
The airport was closed.

suffering with few visitors
Farmland was destroyed and

except for cruise ships looking at
forest fires caused by
the volcano

pyroclastic flow.
Volcanic ash causes people to
have difficulty breathing


Evacuation and rescue of
residents led to economic losses
Geological survey activities in
Indonesia have increased by the
United Nations and some world
scientific organizations.
Two climbing routes were
closed after the eruption
Responses to the Eruption
Short-term responses

More than 200,000 people fled their homes

Volcanic ash covers the famous local mosques(清真寺）

Unemployment rose due to the collapse of the tourist industry.

Authorities distributed masks and urged residents to wear
eyeglasses to protect them from volcanic ash
Long-term responses

Money was given to individuals to help them move to other places.

Authorities have barred residents and visitors from carrying out
any activities within 3 kilometres of the crater, and have set the
second-highes alert level for Marapi mountain.

The presence of the volcano resulted in a growth in tourism.

A Risk assessment was done to help islanders understand which areas
are at risk and reduce problems for the future.