7. Managing Volcanic Eruptions

Question 1

Prediction

Answer 1

• eruptions tend to follow weeks of seismic activity and other warning signs
• use seismometer and seismographs
• warnings of imminent eruptions can be issued to governments and civil authorities
• hazard maps can be produced

Question 2

Monitoring:

Answer 2

• seismic activity using seismometer
• ground deformation measured using tilt o meters and laser based electronic distance measurement
• upward movement of iron-rich magma is measured using magnetometers
• rising groundwater temp +/- gas content measured using hydrological instrumentation
• warning signs such as small eruptions, emissions of gases, landslides and rockfalls recorded in real time using remote sensing equipment

Question 3

Mitigation:

Answer 3

• look at history of hazards -> produce risk assessment maps
• digging trenches -> digging earth mounds
• Sabo dam in Japan designed to reduce energy of lahars and channel away from populated areas
• evacuate -> save lives