management

• what are 4 strategies?

  monitoring, prediction, protection and planning
• • Active volcanoes are monitored using a range of equipment:
  • Seismometers: These record earth movements and can detect the slightest tremor
  • Lasers and tiltmeters: Used to detect ground deformation, changes in land shape can be a sign of rising magma
  • Remote sensing: Satellites are used to detect heat increases within the volcano another sign of rising magma
  • Gas sensors: These detect increases in gases such as sulphur and radon which increase before an eruption
• Monitoring:

  • Earthquakes: 
  • Seismometers: These record earth movements and can be used to detect foreshocks
  • Gas sensors: Detect increases in radon gas which some scientists believe is released prior to an earthquake
  • Ground water levels: Changes in groundwater levels have been recorded before earthquakes
• Prediction

  • Volcanoes:
  • Monitoring of volcanoes now allows more accurate predictions of eruptions to be made
  • This allows for evacuation and exclusion areas to be put in place
  • Accurate timings for eruptions are not possible 
  • Earthquakes: 
  • Impossible to predict date, time or location
• Protection

  • Volcanoes:
  • Evacuation and exclusion zones move people out of areas at risk 
  • Buildings cannot be protected against lava or pyroclastic flow
  • Strengthening of roofs to support weight of falling ash
• Protection

  • Earthquakes:
  • Many countries now practice earthquake drills - 'drop, cover and hold on' ensuring people know how to best protect themselves in an earthquake
  • Earthquake resistant building design - such as shutters on windows and reinforced steel cross braces
  • Sea walls to protect against tsunami
• Planning

  • Volcanoes and earthquakes:
  • Hazard mapping and risk assessment are used to identify areas which are at greater risk - this means people can be moved or building restricted in those areas, particularly essential buildings (hospitals) and transport
  • Evacuation plans
  • Education about what actions to take, including drills
  • Stockpile of emergency supplies
  • Training of emergency services