Question

part 7 - volcano hazard & population density
case study - volcán de fuego, guatemala
volcán de fuego erupted on january 18, 31, 2018. during that
eruption, the volcanic plume reached an altitude of 6,500 meters
(21,300 feet) and was carried 40 kilometers (25 miles) to the west
and southwest.
falling ash affected tens of thousands of people, mainly in the
provinces to the west and northwest of the volcano. lava flows
from the eruption led officials to close one of the national routes
as a precaution.

1. based on the map, were the nearby cities and towns

impacted by the volcanic ash plume and sulfur dioxide
emissions?
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Explanation:

To determine if nearby cities and towns were impacted by the volcanic ash plume and sulfur dioxide emissions from Volcán de Fuego's 2018 eruption, we analyze the information:

1. Volcanic Plume and Ash Spread: The eruption’s volcanic plume reached 6,500 meters (21,300 feet) in altitude and was carried 40 kilometers (25 miles) west and southwest.
2. Map Context: The map (labeled "Sulfur Dioxide (km)") shows a concentrated orange plume extending from the volcano toward nearby urban areas (e.g., near Guatemala City and surrounding towns).
3. Population Impact: The case study states “falling ash affected tens of thousands of people, mainly in the provinces to the west and northwest of the volcano.”

From the map’s plume direction (west/southwest) and the case study’s population impact statement, yes, nearby cities and towns (e.g., those in the west/northwest provinces, and near the plume’s path) were impacted by the ash plume and sulfur dioxide emissions. The plume’s 40 - kilometer spread and the documented impact on tens of thousands of people confirm this.

Answer:

To determine if nearby cities and towns were impacted by the volcanic ash plume and sulfur dioxide emissions from Volcán de Fuego's 2018 eruption, we analyze the information:

1. Volcanic Plume and Ash Spread: The eruption’s volcanic plume reached 6,500 meters (21,300 feet) in altitude and was carried 40 kilometers (25 miles) west and southwest.
2. Map Context: The map (labeled "Sulfur Dioxide (km)") shows a concentrated orange plume extending from the volcano toward nearby urban areas (e.g., near Guatemala City and surrounding towns).
3. Population Impact: The case study states “falling ash affected tens of thousands of people, mainly in the provinces to the west and northwest of the volcano.”

From the map’s plume direction (west/southwest) and the case study’s population impact statement, yes, nearby cities and towns (e.g., those in the west/northwest provinces, and near the plume’s path) were impacted by the ash plume and sulfur dioxide emissions. The plume’s 40 - kilometer spread and the documented impact on tens of thousands of people confirm this.