Signs of Volcanic Eruptions
Most volcanoes provide various types of warnings before eruptions begin. Some
volcanoes,especially those that have not erupted for a long time (hundreds of years) might display
obviousprecursors of reactivation months to weeks before a major eruption (ex. Pinatubo in 1991).
Some volcanoes might explode without warning if the type of eruption is what is known asphreatic.
Also known as steam-blast eruptions, these events could occur with little or no warningas
superheated water flashes to steam similar to what happened at Mayon volcano in 2013
andOntake Volcano, Japan (2014) [Link] and
[Link]
It is important to be able to observe warning signs of volcanic unrest so that people can evacuate
intime, to minimize injuries and casualties. It is therefore important to be able to monitor a
volcano’sactivity, and this is normally done with the aid of different tools or instruments to monitor
the different parameters.
The assessment of a volcano’s status (if it is quiet or in normal state, in state of unrest, expected
to erupt, erupting) is based on the different parameters that can be observed.
Volcanologists often use a combination of as many data available from the different parameters
used for evaluation. For example the number of earthquakes as recorded by the seismograph
may increase from background levels of 0-5 per week and may escalate into 100s in a day.
This is further confirmed and supported by increasing number of earthquakes felt by the local
people. In addition other parameters such as gas measurements and water acidity may also show
signs of increasing trend.
SOME DEFINITIONS
Ground deformation- Ground deformation refers to surface changes on a volcano, such as
subsidence(sinking), tilting, or bulge formation, due to the movement of magma below the
surface. Deformation changes at a volcano, such as those related to magnitude or location, may
indicate that an eruption is about to occur.
([Link]
Use of remote sensing technology or techniques as applied to volcano monitoring. Monitoring
surface changes on a volcano from afar- using available tools such as satellite images;
advantage: less exposure on the ground for volcanologists, safer; but sometimes interpretation
needs field verification.
Seismic activity—from earthquakes to swarms of earthquakes. Most unrest in volcanoes start
with volcanic earthquakes. Volcanoes and earthquakes go hand in hand. The challenge is to
determine which patterns of seismic waves precede an eruption. When magma makes its way
up to the surface it breaks the rocks along the way, and in so doing, earthquakes are generated.
Gases—types and rate of emission. Gases rise through vents called fumaroles (from the Latin
for “smoke”) and other cracks. Sometimes the concentrations are high enough to create acid
rain that kills vegetation—the trees at the Long Valley, California, caldera, for example. That’s
one very visible sign of activity, but scientists have several ways to measure the rate of
emissions more precisely. They can collect samples from vents directly, but it is safer to use
remote sensing instruments. Scientists mount/ install infrared and correlation spectrometers
from airplanes, for example, and fly through a plume of gas. These instruments read energy
signatures—thermal output or electromagnetic frequencies—to identify and quantify the gases.
(source: [Link]
TASK 1: Poster Presentation
1. Size: whole A4 size bond paper.
2. Content of poster: Include brief explanation of different monitoring parameters and
equipment/instrument; include pictures or illustrations
TASK 2:
“Why it is important to monitor a volcano’s status?”
1. Write your answer on your activity notebook.