What are some positive outcomes of volcanoes?

Welcome to Corefacts, where we are always short on time and big on science. I'm Lauren Limerick. Today's question is...

What are some positive outcomes of volcanoes?

Over the long term and geologic time volcanic eruptions and related processes have directly and indirectly benefited mankind. Volcanic materials ultimately breakdown and weather to form some of the most fertile soils on earth, cultivation of which has produced abundant food and fostered civilizations. People use volcanic products the internal heat associated with young volcanic systems has been harnessed to produce geothermal energy and most of the metallic minerals mined in the world such as copper gold silver lead and zinc are associated with magmas found deep within the roots of extinct volcanoes.

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