Mount Vesuvius Essay Example

A volcanic eruption ensues when the pressure from within the chamber surpasses that of the overlaying rock, permitting molten lava to break through cracks in the Earth's crust. The consistency of the lava depends on its content of silicon dioxide and gas; smaller quantities create runny lava that expands rapidly, while increased amounts lead to dense magma buildup and possibly hazardous explosions.

Mount Vesuvius experienced two phases during its eruption. The initial phase was referred to as Plinian, in honor of Pliny the Younger, who documented the eruption and became a vital historical figure. During this phase, tephra, or material, was ejected and spread into the atmosphere before falling to the ground like rain. The resulting shape was similar to a mushroom cloud from a nuclear explosion, which scientists now call the Plinian column. Pliny compared it to a pine tree due to its vertical height. This phase began on August 24th in 79 AD and reached a height of about 20 kilometers (66,000 feet).

Approximately eighteen hours after the start of the volcanic eruption, the city was bombarded with ash and pumice, amounting to an estimated weight of 2330 kg/m squared. The devastating Pelean phase saw the eruption of pyroclastic flows and surges, a destructive force that came unexpectedly on the morning of August 25th 79 AD.

At a speed of 100 km/h, the initial surge deposited 10-20 cm. Subsequently, another surge left 70 cm of air fall ash, in addition to limestone and volcanic rocks measuring 10-20 cm. The remains of individuals were discovered under a layer of solidified ash that was 75 feet thick. These individuals had been there for almost 1700 years, until scientists

unearthed the city. The falling of white and grey pumice caused the death of numerous residents of Pompeii; however, a few managed to survive.

It was discovered that solid bodies were discovered on top of the ash and pumice layers, revealing that people had returned to their homes after thinking that the worst had passed. However, they were not aware that more devastation was to come. The city was enveloped in darkness before the Pelean stage, despite the sun shining above the cloud of terror. As Pliny described it, the darkness was as intense as being in a sealed room. The results of the Pelean stage were awe-inspiring; the remaining people and the entire town were entombed.

Approximately 16,000 people were estimated to have died across all affected cities during the explosion of Mount Vesuvius, making it one of the deadliest in history. Pliny the Younger reported that some people pleaded for divine assistance while many others believed that there were no gods left and that eternal darkness had enveloped the universe. This testimony vividly depicts the terror experienced during those two eternal days. Those who managed to survive the Plinian stage were later discovered buried in hot ash since volcanic ash does not dissolve in water, including people and animals.

Over time, the hardened ash in Pompeii took on the shape of those who perished there. Professor Giuseppe Fiorelli (1823-1896), a renowned archaeologist, utilized a technique to gain insight into the people buried by Mt Vesuvius’ eruptions. By pouring plaster of Paris into the ash cavities, he created replicas that revealed the tragic events of that day. Through Fiorelli’s work, future scientists learned about the preservation

processes of cities and towns. However, despite the potential for survival, the people of Pompeii lacked the necessary knowledge to escape Vesuvius’ deadly wrath.

Although the urban residents living near Mount Vesuvius are affluent and admired, they lack knowledge about natural disasters. Scientists anticipate that the volcano may erupt in the next 25 years, endangering the two million people residing nearby. Nevertheless, unlike Pompeii's inhabitants in 79 AD, today's locals have effortless access to all required information.