Part 4/7:
The Dangers of Dumping Garbage
Once you've located the ideal shield volcano, the real work begins. The environment surrounding these volcanoes is fraught with hazards—poisonous gases, flying debris, and blistering lava create a treacherous scenario for anyone tasked with delivering trash. When attempting to actually dispose of the waste, complications can arise. A notable incident in 2002 involved researchers who tossed a small bag into a volcanic lake in Ethiopia, resulting in an unexpected eruption of acidic gases and molten rocks. Extrapolating this incident, one can only imagine the chaos that would ensue if thousands or millions of tons of garbage were to be dumped into a volcano.