The Soave region of Italy is known for its mineral-rich white wine. The ancient volcanoes of the region erode to nutrient-rich volcanic soil.
Why It Matters
- People are willing to live on active volcanoes because their rich volcanic soil is especially good for growing crops.
- Crops can be destroyed and residents displaced or even killed by active volcanoes, but still people choose to live in these areas.
- Even ancient eroded volcanoes and flows become good soil for agriculture.
- In nations with mostly poor soils, no amount of volcanic soil is wasted.
With the links below, learn more about volcanic soils. Then answer the following questions.
- USCB, Soils from Volcanoes (article): http://volcanology.geol.ucsb.edu/soil.htm
- [EN] Vulcania 2011 – Soave wine made from volcanic soil (video, watch to 2:25): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4H25O2Xnx0
- Why do people live on and near active volcanoes in Italy?
- What partnership allows life on Earth’s surface to exist?
- How does volcanic rock become soil?
- Which features of volcanic rocks makes good black soil for white wine?
- What does it mean when people say that volcanic soils are really fertile?