See Mexico City. It's situated in a closed basin, which used to be occupied by lakes. Those lakes got drained and the resulting grounds aren't exactly rock solid. Hence you get a bowl of jelly effect with earthquakes, so that even minor ones cause great damage. And there you got 20 million people living. The whole damn area is sinking too.
Also check Naples. First, consider the satellite photos and the urban sprawl that's been surrounding the Vesuvius: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=e...&t=k&z=12&om=1
Second, consider the list of significant eruptions since 1631 (when it became active again): 1660, 1682, 1694, 1698, 1707, 1737, 1760, 1767, 1779, 1794, 1822, 1834, 1839, 1850, 1855, 1861, 1868, 1872, 1906, 1926, 1929, and 1944.
Third, consider that based on past experience, the longer the period of quiescence the more severe the subsequent eruption. And if you're Italian, you naturally allow plenty urban sprawl during such quiescent periods.
Brilliant.
Other examples?
Also check Naples. First, consider the satellite photos and the urban sprawl that's been surrounding the Vesuvius: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=e...&t=k&z=12&om=1
Second, consider the list of significant eruptions since 1631 (when it became active again): 1660, 1682, 1694, 1698, 1707, 1737, 1760, 1767, 1779, 1794, 1822, 1834, 1839, 1850, 1855, 1861, 1868, 1872, 1906, 1926, 1929, and 1944.
Third, consider that based on past experience, the longer the period of quiescence the more severe the subsequent eruption. And if you're Italian, you naturally allow plenty urban sprawl during such quiescent periods.
Brilliant.
Other examples?
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