What is a potential environmental impact of volcanic eruptions?

• A. Volcanoes create more arable soil everywhere
• B. Eruptions always cause global warming
• C. Eruptions can release ash that travels long distances and damages infrastructure
• D. Eruptions prevent earthquakes

Answer: (C)

Volcanic eruptions can send ash high into the atmosphere, and those fine particles can be carried by winds across large distances. This means ash can settle far from the eruption site, coating landscapes and infrastructure. The practical impact is significant: ash on roofs adds weight and can lead to collapses, it can clog engines, vents, and machinery, reduce air quality, and force airports to close because aircraft engines and sensors are sensitive to ash. That combination of long-range travel and direct harm to infrastructure is exactly why this option best describes a potential environmental impact.

Other ideas aren’t as universally true: ash can eventually enrich soils but not everywhere or always in a beneficial way; eruptions don’t cause global warming—in fact, they can lead to short-term cooling due to atmospheric particles; and eruptions don’t prevent earthquakes.