Disaster Management Options for Volcano Term Paper

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Magma and gasses building up just below the surface before an eruption can cause a bulge many miles in diameter. Since they are so large, these swells cannot be seen by the naked eye (Kerr, 2003). Satellite-borne radars alert volcanologists when such bulges appear. The satellites monitor global positioning (GPS) devices on the ground, using triangulation to mark whether the ground is bulging. Yet, again, the lack of a bulge does not mean that there will not be an eruption so this method is only helpful in some cases and where a volcano is well-monitored (Kerr, 2003).

Geochemical monitoring involved watching the changes of gasses associated with volcanic movement. Watching inactive volcanoes for the escape of gasses can be a precursor to eruption (Choi, 2004). Sulfer dioxide, carbon dioxide, and other gasses escaping from the earth signal the movement of magma underground, sometimes meaning that an eruption is imminent (Choi, 2004; Kerr, 2003). The instrumentation used to monitor escaping gasses is not ideal, however; it is both unwieldy and fragile and so is ill-suited for monitoring outside of laboratories (Choi, 2004). Additionally, Kerr (2003) finds that gas observation can be misleading since both increases and decreases in gaseous activity can signal a coming eruption.

New methods are being developed due to the inadequacy of current available methods in forecasting volcanic events. Many new methods arise as an improvement or improvisation on current working methods. Choi (2004) reports on how one new method, quantum-cascade laser detection, may be able to expand upon the technique of monitoring escaping volcanic gasses.

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This method could monitor the changes in carbon isotopes and carbon dioxide in volcanic gasses. Very slight changes (as little at 0.1 part per million) in the ratio between the two gasses could mean the movement of magma below the surface, assisting in the prediction of volcanic eruptions. (Choi, 2004). These ratio changes cannot be measured by the means used to detect escaping gasses. Instead, scientists are hoping to use quantum-cascade lasers to detect the variations (Choi, 2004). Since the two types of carbon in volcanic atmosphere (carbon 12 and carbon 13) absorb light at different wavelengths, a stable laser may be able to monitor variations in the ratio between the two carbons. By using a quantum-cascade laser, they hope to create a monitoring tool that is stable, compact and accurate.

New methods may offer hope for better predictions. Yet, more must be done for disaster preparation. Even if methods were 100% accurate, the largest concerns for disaster management are monitoring volcanoes for activity and creating a recognizable warning system (such as a siren or beacon visible from hazard areas). Disaster management in an area with volcanoes (even those that have not erupted in decades) should start with beginning and maintaining monitoring stations, funding, and staff (Kerr, 2003). Once a volcano is being monitored, disaster precautions such as those taken by many natural disasters should be arranged. These include city evacuation plans, alerting systems, and information given to the public so that citizens know what to do when an.....

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