BUILDING RISK KNOWLEDGE
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Example of volcanic hazard zone planning in the United States of America by USGS
Volcanoes erupt in different ways, pose multiple types of hazards, and the initiation and duration of eruptions are relatively uncertain. Therefore, authorities and populations at risk must be knowledgeable about regional volcano hazards so that they can be both prepared and flexible in their response. Location-specific volcano hazards information can be found on a volcano-by-volcano basis.
Use this map to select the volcano or volcanoes nearest you to read about the hazards present.
The USGS has published several volcano-specific hazard maps, which illustrate the potential for ground-based volcanic impacts—lava flows, hot rocks, volcanic gases, and more far-reaching hazards such as ashfall and lahars that flow in valleys that drain the volcano.
In the event of an eruption, scientists will evaluate current events and develop “scenario” based hazards maps that depict possible scenarios for the progress of the volcanic activity.
Become familiar with evacuation routes.
Typical volcano hazard zones during an eruption are:
Lava-flow hazard zones map, Island of Hawai‘i. See Full Map for complete legend.
Depending on the type of volcano, downslope communities may need to prepare for lava flows or lahars. Lava flows that impact people occur from basaltic volcanoes, like those in Hawaii. Lahars impact river valleys and typically occur from snow- and ice-clad volcanoes like those in the Cascade Range.
Downwind communities may need to prepare for tephra and ashfall. When ash-producing eruptions are imminent or in process, the USGS and its partners will analyze wind conditions and develop maps that indicate areas most likely to receive ashfall.
Volcano Evacuation Route sign along a roadway in Washington State.
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.
