BUILDING RISK KNOWLEDGE
WHY THE FOUNDATION WAS BORN? >
Comprehensive monitoring provides early warning of a volcano’s awakening
Volcano monitoring requires a variety of techniques to hear and see activity inside a volcano. It involves monitoring volcanoes for signs of change that signal a volcanic awakening. To fully understand a volcano’s behaviour, monitoring must include several types of observations (earthquakes, ground motions, volcanic gases, rock chemistry, water chemistry, remote satellite analysis) on a continuous or near real-time basis.
Fumaroles steaming within Sherman Crater, Mount Baker, Washington.
Many instruments are used to obtain a more complete picture of volcanic activity.
Teams work on the seismic stations. During eruptive breaks, crews work to keep the monitoring stations running.
Scientists collect data from the instrument arrays and then analyse them to look for unusual signals. By comparing the data analysis with similar results from past volcanic events, volcanologists are better able to predict changes in volcanic activity and determine if and when a volcano might erupt in the future.
This is known as disaster risk management.
Gas sampling with a CO2 Infrared Spectrometer at Mount St. Helens’ September Lobe lava dome, Washington.
Knowing the state of a volcano with the help of monitoring instruments helps to reduce socio-economic losses.
Rapid advances in technology are helping scientists develop efficient and accurate monitoring equipment. These new systems are able to collect and transmit accurate data in real time from the volcano to the observatory offices, improving eruption prediction. It is important that the instruments are installed during quiet periods when the volcanoes are not active so that they are ready to detect the slightest volcanic agitation. Early detection gives people maximum time to prepare for an eruption.
We talk about disaster risk management strategies because there is no such thing as natural risk. Natural hazards exist and become disasters through human mismanagement. There is No natural disasters.
Camera captures SO2 released from Kīlauea’s summit vent. HVO scientist tests the network link between the instrument and the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
Monitoring data can be used to predict the course of an eruption once disturbances have been detected and to model them on maps.
When a volcano begins to show new or unusual signs of activity, the monitoring data helps to answer the critical questions needed to assess and then communicate timely information about volcanic hazards. Scientists can examine all monitoring data, including gases, ground deformation and satellite images, to determine whether magma or fluid was moving towards the surface. Based on the history of the volcano and the analysis of the monitoring data, scientists can determine the types of magma that are likely to move to the surface. This type of knowledge helps scientists determine the types of volcanic activity that are possible and the associated risks to people. Knowledge of the hazards helps officials determine what real-time warnings are needed to avoid loss of life and property.
Natural hazards exist and become disasters through human mismanagement.
Gas flask sampling at West Astringent Creek, Yellowstone. Open tube with attached gas chamber inserted into ground, gas travels through tube into vacuum flask being held by scientist.
USGS employees deploys a water conductivity/temperature/depth probe (AquaTroll) for a temporary study along the Madison River, Yellowstone.
Since 2021 VOLCANO ACTIVE FOUNDATION has been committed to the UN Global Compact corporate responsibility initiative and its principles in the areas of human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption.
