ESCI D.S5.O3.A4 Hazard Prediction

Predicting Volcanic Eruptions

Many pieces of evidence can mean that a volcano is about to erupt, but the time and magnitude of the eruption are difficult to pin down. This evidence includes the history of previous volcanic activity, earthquakes, slope deformation, and gas emissions.

History of Volcanic Activity

A volcano’s history — how long since its last eruption and the time span between its previous eruptions — is a good first step to predicting eruptions. Active and dormant volcanoes are heavily monitored, especially in populated areas.

Earthquakes

Moving magma shakes the ground, so the number and size of earthquakes increases before an eruption. A volcano that is about to erupt may produce a sequence of earthquakes. Scientists use seismographs that record the length and strength of each earthquake to try to determine if an eruption is imminent.

Slope Deformation

Magma and gas can push the volcano’s slope upward. Most ground deformation is subtle and can only be detected by tiltmeters, which are instruments that measure the angle of the slope of a volcano. But ground swelling may sometimes create huge changes in the shape of a volcano. Mount St. Helens grew a bulge on its north side before its 1980 eruption. Ground swelling may also increase rock falls and landslides.

Gas Emissions

Gases may be able to escape a volcano before magma reaches the surface. Scientists measure gas emissions in vents on or around the volcano. Gases, such as sulfur dioxide (SO₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), hydrochloric acid (HCl), and even water vapor can be measured at the site (Figure below Links to an external site.) or, in some cases, from a distance using satellites. The amounts of gases and their ratios are calculated to help predict eruptions.

Remote Monitoring

Some gases can be monitored using satellite technology (Figure below Links to an external site.). Satellites also monitor temperature readings and deformation. As technology improves, scientists are better able to detect changes in a volcano accurately and safely.

Evacuate?

Since volcanologists are usually uncertain about an eruption, officials may not know whether to require an evacuation. If people are evacuated and the eruption doesn’t happen, the people will be displeased and less likely to evacuate the next time there is a threat of an eruption. The costs of disrupting business are great. However, scientists continue to work to improve the accuracy of their predictions.

Summary

• Volcanologists use several lines of evidence to try to forecast volcanic eruptions.
• Magma moving beneath a volcano will cause earthquakes and slope deformation. Gases may be released from the magma out of the volcano vent.
• Deciding whether to call for an evacuation is very tricky.

Your Assignment: Use this resource to answer the questions that follow.

Mount Pinatubo: Predicting a Volcanic Eruption

http://www.teachersdomain.org/asset/ess05_vid_pinatubo Links to an external site. Links to an external site.

1. What does the measurement of sulfur dioxide tell scientists?
2. How many seismic stations for established around the mountain?
3. What did the seismic stations measure?
4. What evidence was there for a potential eruption?
5. What finally triggered the evacuation from the island?
6. When did the first eruption occur? How soon after the evacuation?
7. When did the massive eruption occur?
8. What are the detectable signs that magma is moving beneath a volcano?
9. What are the consequences of incorrectly predicting a volcanic eruption?
10. How would a successful prediction of a volcanic eruption resemble a successful prediction of an earthquake?