Impact of volcanic eruptions on the environment and climatic conditions in the area of Poland (Central Europe)

Volcanic eruptions can impact environment thousands of kilometres distant from eruptive center and in the case of ash fallout could affect natural resources a wide area. Post-eruption consequences such as famine and epidemics, as well as heavy rains, floods result in changes of development and management of the human settlements even in areas distant from volcanic centers such as Poland. Poland cannot be directly affected by hot ash, volcanic bombs and pyroclastic flows and due to its distance from active volcanic centers the risks associated with greenhouse gas and dust effects seems to be minor. The effects of volcanic eruptions in Poland are generally related to climate changes (for example decreasing of temperature or increasing number of days with storms) and more specific to heavy and/or prolonged rainfalls. These prolonged periods of rain in the Carpathians and the Sudetes are conducive to the development of mass movements, landslides and floods.