Predicting and Preparing for Volcanic Eruptions

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Predicting and Preparing for Volcanic Eruptions

Predicting

- Increasing amount of tiny earthquakes.

- Escaping gases - the higher the amount of sulphur, the close the volcano is to erupting.

- Changes in the shape of the volcano eg. bulges.

- Looking at the past frequency of eruptions.

Monitoring

Tilt meters - Detects small changes in the landscape caused by shifting of magma beneath the surface.

Global Positioning Systems (GPS) - Uses satellite images to detect movement, the temperature of the Earth's surface can also be seen using this.

Digital Cameras - used on the rim of the crater.

Robots - called 'Spiders' are often used to monitor changes.

Laser beams - can detect changes in the plates.

Preparing

- Create an exclusion zone surrounding the volcano.

- Evacuation drills.

- Inform the citizens of the possible affects and what to do in the event of an eruption.

- Have an emergency supply of necessities with things such as first-aid, food and blankets.

- Good warning and communication systems.

- Build new earthquake-proof buildings and reinforce old ones.