Airfall tephra field
Here is an image of a Geologist analysing the chemistry of the airfall tephra fields, to gauge the activity of the volcano beneath. This is a technique of monitoring the potential threat.
The airfall tephra fields can be up to 10s of metres thick and has buried any emergent vegetation. Covered and burnt vegetation is clearly a negative environmental impact of the eruption close to the summit, whereas volcanic material produces fertile lower slopes ideal for agricultural production (positive social impact - food supply and positive economic impact - agricultural income). Peach orchards are prevalent on the the flanks of Mount Etna.
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