The Colima
volcano (Mexico) has been active since July and has covered local villages
in ash leading to evacuations. Also, Hawaii is in the elevated volcanic activity
list this week. This week Geol9 is
exploring the volcanic hazards in different countries and their warning
systems. I’ll be focusing on the US.
There are several ways we
minimize the danger of volcanic activity (apart from the obvious of ‘getting
out of the way’…(:
- Forecasting (earthquakes as early warnings (although in 2014 a Japanese volcano erupted without any previous seismicity (livescience article), land swelling before eruption, gas emissions, etc.)
- Volcanic Alert Codes (USGS): the levels of alert and the aviation code levels commonly change at the same time (chart on right). A non-erupting volcano will have a green icon, and a red one indicates an imminent eruption (see USGS Alert Codes).
As this morning, the US
hazards map shows:
Kilauea Alert Level=WATCH. Aviation Color Code=ORANGE.
As of Sep 21, 2015, 09:02
Shishaldin Alert Level=WATCH. Aviation Color Code=ORANGE.
As of Sep 20, 2015, 11:04. Low-level activity likely
continues.
Cleveland Alert Level=WATCH. Aviation Color Code=ORANGE.
As of Sep 20, 2015, 11:04. Low level unrest continues.
There are also advisories
(yellow) for Mauna Loa and Pagan volcanoes.
Ring of Fire, anyone?
Hey, I found a similar map of Japans current active volcanoes. I was unaware of how many volcanoes are here in California. It is fascinating with how there is active volcanoes through out most of the ring of fire, however in the United States there seems to be little need for concern because there is little to no activity in them. Do you think this causes us to be relatively unprepared for eruptions in the us? It seemed that when Mt. Saint Helens erupted in 1980. There was very little warning and massive damage. How has the U.S. changed since this eruption to prepare for a like event?
ReplyDeleteThe Cascades in W California are a volcanic chain that remains quite active(geologically speaking) so it is monitored constantly. You only have to visit Lassen or Shasta to see the last eruption features of 200 years ago..
ReplyDeleteScientists have learned to monitor and 'predict' an eruption with days or weeks since 1980 although a lot more needs to be understood!-if you want more see a few link below-
http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch/archive/2005/05_05_19.html
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/mount-st-helens-lessons/