Predicting and Preparing for Volcanic Eruptions

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.