Volcanoes VI: Monitoring, Prediction and Preparedness

volcanic eruptions have a much longer warning phase before their onset, and eruptions can last much longer than other natural hazards

examples of things we can monitor: * seismology (earthquakes) * ground deformation (volcano changes shapes) * gas emission * thermal imaging * lahar flow detection * satellite observation

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

operated by US Geological Survey
notifications if a status is changed issued through US Volcano Observatories (five = Alaska, California, Cascades, Hawaii, Yellowstone)

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

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

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