ABSTRACT
Volcanic mountains are distinctive in shape and composition, and in terms of the interaction between volcanic activity and geomorphic processes. The extent and rate of geomorphic processes of denudation are exacerbated on volcanic mountains because of the thickness of unconsolidated materials and earthquakes. Volcanoes are also subjected to specific processes, such as ash falls, pyroclastic flows and volcanic mudflows or lahars. Unlike ordinary mountains, which are formed by tectonic uplift and erosion, volcanoes are constructed and eroded. Volcanic mountains have a distinctive impact on human activity. It is commonly thought that, owing to the fertility of volcanic soils, volcanoes are favoured areas for settlement, but these soils are only potentially fertile under regimes of careful land management (James et al., 2000). Volcanic mountains possess all the geomorphic processes and hazards of mountains worldwide (see Hewitt, and Li, both this volume) but have additional hazards posed by eruptive activity.
