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It's not possible to prevent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions from happening, but careful management can minimise the damage that they cause. Prediction is the most important aspect of this, as this gives people time to evacuate the area and make preparations for the event.
Predicting and preparing for volcanoes
Unfortunately there is nothing that can be done to stop volcanic eruptions or earthquakes. Prevention is not an option.
This leaves two possible ways of managing hazards such as earthquakes and volcanoes: prediction and preparation.
Predicting eruptions
As a volcano becomes active, it gives off a number of warning signs. These warning signs are picked up by volcanologists (those who study volcanoes) and the volcano is monitored.
The key techniques for monitoring a volcano
| Warning signs | Monitoring techniques |
|---|---|
| Hundreds of small earthquakes are caused as magma rises up through cracks in the Earth's crust. | Seismometers are used to detect earthquakes. |
| Temperatures around the volcano rise as activity increases. | Thermal imaging techniques and satellite cameras can be used to detect heat around a volcano |
| When a volcano is close to erupting it starts to release gases. The higher the sulphur content of these gases, the closer the volcano is to erupting. | Gas samples may be taken and chemical sensors used to measure sulphur levels. |
As technology improves, the techniques available for predicting and monitoring volcanic activity are becoming more and more accurate. Volcanoes such as Mount St Helens in the USA or Mount Etna in Italy are closely monitored at all times. This is because they are active or have been active in recent years. This means that people can benefit from early-warning signs of an eruption. However, as well as prediction, people need to be prepared for an eruption.
Preparing for an eruption
A detailed plan is needed for dealing with a possible eruption. Everyone who could be affected by the eruption needs to know the plan and what they should do if it needs to be put into action.
- Planning for a volcano includes creating an exclusion zone around the volcano.
- Being ready and able to evacuate residents.
- Having an emergency supply of basic provisions such as food.
- Funds need to be available to deal with the emergency and a good communication system needs to be in place.
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