Volcanoes VI: Monitoring, Prediction and Preparedness
Warning and Duration Types
volcanic eruptions have a much longer warning phase before their onset, and eruptions can last much longer than other natural hazards
Hazard Maps
map volcanic deposits
determine deposit type ( lava flow, mud flow (lahar), pyroclastic flow, etc.)
determine age of deposits and eruption frequency
consider the risk
Monitoring
examples of things we can monitor:
seismology (earthquakes)
ground deformation (volcano changes shapes)
gas emission
thermal imaging
lahar flow detection
satellite observation
Hazard Mitigation
since we have much more warning of volcanic eruptions than other hazards, we should prioritize:
sensible zoning/regulation
safe distance from different hazards
ex: distance above, beside river, lahar channels
warning systems and procedures
Volcano Alert-Level System
operated by US Geological Survey
notifications if a status is changed issued through US Volcano Observatories (five = Alaska, California, Cascades, Hawaii, Yellowstone)
Preparedness: What To Do
some volcanic hazards are easily avoidable
lava flow = walk away
avoid moving perpendicular to flow direction in case there are other flows
some are more difficult
pyroclastic flows and lahars
ideally, there will be a warning of an eruption = get out of valleys to higher ground away from volcano
move perpendicular to the flow direction (gets you out of the way fastest)
if possible, drive instead of walk
lahars = get away from rivers
lahars can travel very far and pick up speed in rivers
What To Do - Pyroclastic Fall
ash is the primary hazard for anyone not in direct vicinity of volcano
close all outside doors, windows, and fireplace dampers
turn off fans and heating/ AC systems
keep the air in your house as clean as possible
wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, a well fitting M-95 mask, and goggles
don’t drive in heavy ash fall (dangerous and exhaust can stir up ash)
if you have to, close windows and turn off heat/ AC
What To Do
general disaster planning still applies:
before:
put together an emergency preparedness kit
be aware of nearby volcano alert level
during:
follow evacuation orders
after:
stay indoors until instructed to leave
assess damage
Volcanoes VI: Monitoring, Prediction and Preparedness
Warning and Duration Types
volcanic eruptions have a much longer warning phase before their onset, and eruptions can last much longer than other natural hazards
Hazard Maps
map volcanic deposits
determine deposit type ( lava flow, mud flow (lahar), pyroclastic flow, etc.)
determine age of deposits and eruption frequency
consider the risk
Monitoring
examples of things we can monitor:
seismology (earthquakes)
ground deformation (volcano changes shapes)
gas emission
thermal imaging
lahar flow detection
satellite observation
Hazard Mitigation
since we have much more warning of volcanic eruptions than other hazards, we should prioritize:
sensible zoning/regulation
safe distance from different hazards
ex: distance above, beside river, lahar channels
warning systems and procedures
Volcano Alert-Level System
operated by US Geological Survey
notifications if a status is changed issued through US Volcano Observatories (five = Alaska, California, Cascades, Hawaii, Yellowstone)
Preparedness: What To Do
some volcanic hazards are easily avoidable
lava flow = walk away
avoid moving perpendicular to flow direction in case there are other flows
some are more difficult
pyroclastic flows and lahars
ideally, there will be a warning of an eruption = get out of valleys to higher ground away from volcano
move perpendicular to the flow direction (gets you out of the way fastest)
if possible, drive instead of walk
lahars = get away from rivers
lahars can travel very far and pick up speed in rivers
What To Do - Pyroclastic Fall
ash is the primary hazard for anyone not in direct vicinity of volcano
close all outside doors, windows, and fireplace dampers
turn off fans and heating/ AC systems
keep the air in your house as clean as possible
wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, a well fitting M-95 mask, and goggles
don’t drive in heavy ash fall (dangerous and exhaust can stir up ash)
if you have to, close windows and turn off heat/ AC
What To Do
general disaster planning still applies:
before:
put together an emergency preparedness kit
be aware of nearby volcano alert level
during:
follow evacuation orders
after:
stay indoors until instructed to leave
assess damage