Where
"Active volcanoes generally occur close to the major tectonic plate boundaries. Many are located along the Earth's plate boundaries. Active volcanoes are rare in Australia because there are no plate boundaries on this continent. However, there are two active volcanoes located 4000 kilometres south west of Perth on the Australian territories." There is another active volcano and a former island called Sakurajami, Japan.
Characteristics
"The most dangerous type of volcanic eruption is referred to as a 'glowing avalanche'. This is when freshly erupted magma forms hot pyroclastic flow which have temperatures of up to 1,200 degrees. The pyroclastic flow is formed from rock fragments following a volcanic explosion , the flow surges down the flanks of the volcano at speeds of up to several hundred kilometres per hour, to distances often up to 10km and occasionally as far as 40 km from the original disaster site."
Effects On Environment, Society And Economy
"Most Volcanic Eruptions can have a Devastating effect on people and the environment. However unlike earthquakes , some volcanoes can have a positive impact on an area. These positive impacts can help to explain why some people choose to live near volcanoes."
