How can we predict the likely damage, cost and type and extent of a
volcanic eruption?
Sara Beth, Laura and Sedona
Dear Sara Beth, Laura and Sedona,
The basic way to learn about the type and extent of past eruptions at a
volcano is to map and determine the age of the deposits. This tells a
volcanologist the style of eruption (violent -> non-violent) and the
distribution of volcanic products (far-traveling debris flows or near
vent lava flows). Note, as more volcanologists are put out of work by
federal budget cuts less of this basic but important work is being done.
Damage and cost will depend on the style and size of the eruption and the
extent of development on or adjacent to the volcano. An example, the
1912 eruption at Katmai in Alaska was the largest in North America this
century but had very little damage from a human perspective because the
area was undeveloped. In contrast, future debris avalanches and debris
flows from Mount
Rainier near Seattle and Tacoma, Washington have the potential to
cause extensive damage and be very costly to clean up.
Steve Mattox, University of North Dakota
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