VOLCANO HAZAERD

Keren Gacias
Pyroclastic Density Currents
 are gravity-driven,
rapidly moving, ground-
hugging mixtures of rock
fragments and hot gases.
This mixture forms a
dense fluid that moves
along the ground with an
upper part that is less
dense as particles fall
toward the ground.
Lahars
 are part of the family of
debris flows that are
fluids composed of
mixtures of water and
particles of all sizes from
clay-size to gigantic
boulders. The abundance
of solid matter carries the
water, unlike watery
floods where water
carries the fragments.
Debris-flow Avalanches
 The eruption of Mount St. Helens on
May 18, 1980 started with a
relatively small volcanic earthquake
that caused collapse of the north
side of the volcano because it was
over steepened and therefore
unstable. When the landslide
occurred, it decreased the pressure
on the pressurized interior of the
volcano which expanded
explosively to form a lateral blast
that devastated the countryside
north of the volcano. Most of
the debris flow avalanche was
diverted down the North Fork Toutle
River, but some moved directly
northward over a 300 meter ridge
and down into the next valley.
Lava flows
 rarely threaten human
life because lava usually
moves slowly -- a few
centimeters per hour for
silicic flows to several
km/hour for basaltic
flows.
Tephra falls and Ballistic Projectiles
formed on Land
 Tephra consists of pyroclastic
fragments of any size and
origin. It is a synonym for
"pyroclastic material." Tephra
ranges in size from ash to lapilli
to blocks and bombs .Densities
vary greatly, from that of
pumice to solid pieces of lava
with density about 3.0. Blocks
from basement material may
exceed 3.0. Material may be
juvenile (formed of magma
involved in the eruption ) or
accidental (derived from pre-
existing rock).
Volcanic Gas
 Magma is molten rock
containing dissolved gases that
are released to the atmosphere
during an eruption and while
the magma lies close to the
surface from hydrothermal
systems. The most abundant
volcanic gas is water vapor;
other important gases are
carbon dioxide, carbon
monoxide, sulfur oxides,
hydrogen sulfide, chlorine, and
fluorine.
Tsunamis
 a long-period sea wave
or wave train generated
by a sudden
displacement of water.
Tsunamis travel at very
high speeds through
deep water as low
broad waves and build
to great heights as they
approach the shallow
bottom of shores.
Signs of an Volcano Erupting
 Before an Eruption
Before a volcano erupts, there is normally an increase in
earthquakes and tremors near and under the volcano.
These are caused by magma (molten rock) pushing
upward through the rock under the volcano. The ground
may crack open and allow steam to escape. Gases such
as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, a gas that
smells like eggs gone bad, frequently are present and
escape in seams along the mountain. Hot springs in the
area around the volcano may appear or change in
appearance and temperature.
Signs of an Volcano Erupting
 Volcanic Gas
During an eruption of a volcano, gases dissolved in
the magma are released into the air. These gases
can escape through many different places in the
volcano, such as the large opening at the top or
vents in the side. The gases are highly pressurized
when deep in the earth, but as the magma moves
toward the surface the pressure lessens and the
gases form bubbles. These bubbles quickly expand
and explode upon finally reaching the surface.
Signs of an Volcano Erupting
Lava
Molten rock, commonly called lava, streams out of a
volcano during an eruption. There does not
necessarily have to be explosive activity associated
with lava flow, but when there is an explosion, a
fountain of lava can come spewing out of the
volcano.
Signs of an Volcano Erupting
 Volcanic Landslide
During this event, huge amounts of soil and rock break
loose from the side of the volcano and fall down the
mountain. The speed with which a volcanic landslide
can move may break sheets of rocks into fragments
that can be small or incredibly huge.
Signs of an Volcano Erupting
Pyroclastic Flows
When molten or solid rock explodes from a volcano,
the result is a pyroclastic flow, a mixture of
extremely hot rock and heated gases. This mixture
escapes from and then moves away from the vent
of an exploding volcano at very high speeds.
Pyroclastic flows come in two parts: a flow of
fragments that moves along the ground and a flow
of hot gases that accompanies it.
Signs of an Volcano Erupting
 Volcanic Ash
Some volcanic eruptions come with volcanic ash, small bits
of rock that escape from the volcano, go high into the
air and then fall like rain from above. The wind can
scatter volcanic ash, which often has a sulfur smell, over
a large area. Falling ash can become so dense that it
turns the sky gray or black as night. The ash can pile up
on buildings, causing roofs to collapse. Rain and
lightning can be precipitated by its presence in the
atmosphere, making it a particularly scary sign of a
volcanic eruption.
Appropriate measures (Before)
 Everyone should be aware of the dangers that volcanic
eruptions pose to lives and be prepared to face
whatever circumstances the eruption may bring.
 Prepare all necessary things to bring once evacuation
is needed. Those in danger zones are warned when to
evacuate. Once given the signal refrain from saying you
will be all right. Refusing to evacuate will pose more
serious problems.
Appropriate measures (Before)
 Store as much food, water, light sources and
batteries that are very useful in case of emergency.
 Volcanic eruptions have ash falls so be prepared
for masks or anything to cover nose and mouth.
 Prioritize the safety of kids before other things. If
you have relatives or friends who are far from the
volcano, take your children there until such time that
your place is safe.
Appropriate measures (During)
 Avoid all low-lying places because lava flows and
mudflows are more likely to pass them.
 Seek cover in case of ash falls rock falls.
 Use masks and cover your mouth and nose to avoid
breathing in ashes.
 If you are inside a house; close all doors and
windows to avoid ashes from getting inside.
 Always stay indoors.
Appropriate measures (During)
 Stay in the evacuation center until further
instructions. Do not attempt to leave the place unless
told to do so.
 Keep a watchful eye on the kids because they might
be tempted to go out and see what is going on
outside.
Appropriate measures (After)
 Go back to your house but leave the kids behind
with someone who can take care of them while you
check your house.
 Clean everything around your house and check all
damages incurred.
 Use masks while cleaning ash and other debris.
Appropriate measures (During)
 Wait for further announcements related to the
volcano activities.
 Make sure that your house is still safe for all of you.