Are volcanoes good for anything?

Volcanoes can destroy homes and change landscapes forever, but they do a lot of good things, too.

• As volcanoes grow, they make mountains and new islands. Iceland and Hawaii were both formed by volcanoes.

• Lava and volcanic ash contain many minerals that enrich soil. The rich, well-drained soils near volcanoes are great for farming.

• Magma can help heat homes and create electricity. In Iceland, magma heats water underground. The water is used to keep homes warm. In New Zealand, steam produced by magma drives turbines that produce electric power.

• Volcanoes provide materials for building. Ash can be used to make cement. Some building in Italy are made from blocks cut from volcanic rocks, such as hardened lava. Basalt, a type of volcanic rock, is also mined and used in construction.

• Gritty bits of pumice and volcanic ash are often added to soaps, cleaners, and polishes. The tiny hard pieces help to scrub things clean.

• In their own way, volcanoes are beautiful. For centuries, they have inspired writers, artists, and photographers. Volcanoes are also popular tourist attractions.