Mount Vesuvius

 The 79 AD eruption is one of the most well-known ancient eruptions in the world, best known
for the destroyed cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

o A wall of volcanic mud engulfed the town of Herculaneum, obliterating the town.

o A glowing cloud of volcanic gases and debris rolled down Vesuvius’ slopes and
enveloped the city of Pompeii. Most victims died instantly as the superheated air
burned their lungs and contracted their muscles, leaving the bodies in a semi-curled
position to be quickly buried in ash and thus preserved in detail for hundreds of years.

o The city of Pompeii was buried by volcanic ash, leaving a well-preserved snapshot of life
Environmental Effects

Geosphere: The geosphere is affected by tephra deposits from volcanic ash and lava flows. These left
extremely fertile soil that led to agricultural prosperity in the areas surrounding the volcano.

Hydrosphere: The hydrosphere was affected because there was a minor tsunami on the second day of
the eruption. Also, the water was pouted by toxins released. All the pyroclastic material and ash from
the explosion would have been completely ruined any nearby water source, making it unsafe. There was
also a pyroclastic flood.

Atmosphere: The atmosphere was affected because it contains volcanic gases including laze plumes
(Hydrochloric acid and seawater) and Hydrogen Fluoride. Smoke and ash created a haze that cover the
area and flowed down in the wind to the south of Italy. 

Biosphere: The biosphere was affected because all of the surrounding areas were destroyed and almost
every living creature was perished as a result of the eruption. But, due to the pyroclastic material, the
animals and people are still in the position they were when they were buried.