VOLCANOES: "ACTS OF GOD"?

 The La Soufrière volcano on St. Vincent, which first erupted in explosive fashion on April 09, continues to spew ash and smoke high into the atmosphere in seemingly relentless eruptions. Weather satellites have captured dozens of eruptions since the volcano first blew its top. Volcanic ash has spread hundreds of miles eastward, even obscuring the sun in Barbados.

 

The Associated Press reported that “damage was extensive in the island’s Northeast region,” based on an account from St. Vincent Deputy Prime Minister Montgomery Daniel. “Forests and farms were wiped out, with coconut, breadfruit, mango and sour-sop trees destroyed, as well as plantain and banana crops.”

 

The compassionate response to this tragedy has been tremendous. From military manpower to tons of foodstuff have been arriving from many countries. Even cruise ships have offered temporary housing to persons affected. The support is overwhelming, and I can only pray that this display of kindness would not be subjected to abuse. I am also grateful for the intellectual support that enabled Vincentians to be aware of the pending eruption of La Soufrière. The adequate warnings saved thousands of lives.

 

In legal usage throughout the English-speaking world, what happened in St Vincent was an act of God. An act of God is a natural hazard, outside human control, for which no person can be held responsible. An act of God may amount to an exception to liability in contracts or it may be an "insured peril" in an insurance policy.

 

However, I contend, volcanoes are not mere liabilities. Like other acts of nature, volcanoes serve a purpose.

 

1. Atmospheric cooling

Volcanoes explode ash and sulfur gas into the stratosphere. “The sulphur gas combines with water in the atmosphere, creating microscopic droplets that can stay in the atmosphere for years.” It is believed that the effect of those aerosol droplets is cooling the lowest level of the atmosphere, which is the level in which we live and breathe. I understand volcanoes cool the atmosphere about ½ a degree Celsius. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but when we’re talking about anthropogenic global climate change, volcanoes have actually helped to keep the world about 2 to 3 degrees cooler than it otherwise may be.

 

2. Land formation

All of the land in the Hawaiian Islands was created because of volcanic eruptions. As recent as December 2020, we witnessed eruptions with Kilauea, as lava was poured into the ocean and created new land. Kilauea is an active shield volcano in the Hawaiian Islands. Historically, it is the most active of the five volcanoes that together form the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

3. Fertile land

Fertile soil is another advantage of volcanic activity. In places like Japan, Indonesia, Philippines and Hawaii, volcanic material mixed-in with the soil provides a lot of important nutrients. Volcanoes also provide a good environment for the formation of new habitats for animals, plants and insects.

 

4. Geothermal energy

Hot springs and geothermal energy are additional benefits. People use geothermal energy in places like New Zealand and Iceland. The most active geothermal resources are normally found along major plate boundaries where volcanoes and earthquakes typically occur.

 

5. Raw materials

Sulfur, copper and gold are produced from volcanic activity. Diamonds are also brought up to the surface from a rare kind of magma (molten rock formed in the interior of the earth), also known as kimberlite.

 

Volcanic material can be made into blocks, and a lot of the materials are mined, especially in places like Indonesia. Volcanic materials can also be ground-down to help make cement and finer products.

 

Agreed, when harnessed properly, volcanic materials can produce remarkable items of value. However, volcanic eruptions are destructive. Such destruction provide opportunities for mankind to rise to incredible heights. Many of those heights are being achieved today as many respond to the destructive impact in St Vincent.

 

Whereas good can emerge from volcanic tragedy, it is also true that human tragedy often emerges from human good. I am referring to the goodwill shown to relieve the victims of tragedy. Accolades to persons who are determined to relieve pain, and shame on those who are determined to exploit that kindness.

 

Volcanoes are acts of God. Acts that provide opportunities for nature and humans. This is when we can display creativity, innovation, compassion and resilience. Also remember that our beautiful Caribbean beaches, fauna, flora, waterfalls and natural beauty, are also acts of God.