Volcanoes 5

Volcanic hazards

• lava flows

• pyroclastic flow

• ash fallout

• sector collapse

• lahars

• etc.

Volcanic risk

any potential damage or harm caused by hazards

Hazard Planning

• have more warning time than other disasters, but longer duration

Volcano monitoring and prediction

• seismology — earthquakes

• ground deformation

• gas emission

• thermal imaging

• lahar flow detection

• satellite observation

Hazard maps

• determine deposite type (lava flow, mud glow, pyroclastic flow)

• age of deposits, eruption style, frequency

Risk maps

• map populated areas

• evacuation plans

• what areas have highest risk

Monitoring : seismology

• when magma rises, surface may crack

• most important tool for monitoring and forecasting

Monitoring: Ground deformation

• GPS -measures changes in position

• Tilt-meter- measures changes slope

• INSAR - satellites detect changes in elevation cm-mm

Monitoring: gas emissions @ fumaroles

• direct sampling

• COSPEC measure co2 and so2

• FTIR measure infra-red

Monitoring: thermal imaging

• infrared monitoring instruments

• via helicopter

• monitor temp range and change

Monitoring: Lahar detection

• debris flow channels

• seismic monitoring systems

• real-time warning

Monitoring: Satellite observation

• global coverage

• ideal for early warning, airline routes

• ideal for remote areas

Volcano mitigation: what can we do?

• not much

• sensible regulation for population, distance from hazards

• avoid valleys, lahar channels, etc.

Mount Baker info

• dormant but hot

• dominantly intermediate magma — potential explosive activity

• glacier covered —> potential for lahars