Freshman Seminar: Volcanoes and Civilization

Decade Volcanoes

Near the end of the 1980’s volcanologists convened and chose a select number of volcanoes to be studied intensely over the course of a decade, mostly in the 1990’s.

The list is below.

1) Try to ascertain why these volcanoes were chosen. What is special about the choices represented in this list.

2) Choose 1 volcano and prepare a detailed report on it. Determine what kind of volcano this is and why you think it deserves special attention. Pay attention to both the scientific merit and the social impact the volcano has.

3) Use the list of attributes we have accumulated to address specific questions about the volcano

4) Prepare a short report and a presentation on your volcano. Your presentation should be about 10-15 minutes with illustrations (maps, photos, charts etc…)

You should consider some of the following issues:

(1) the plate-tectonic setting of the volcano;

(2) what type of volcano it is, and what kind(s) of eruption(s) characterize it (note that these things may have changed with time);

(3) the general nature of the magma erupted from the volcano (e.g., viscous or non-viscous; volatile-rich or volatile-poor; lava or pyroclastic; mudflows; etc.);

(4) recent eruptive activity;

(5) threats to nearby population centers;

(6) past and potential future volcanic hazards, including the methods by which such hazards have been assessed.

Exclude from your selection these volcanoes. We may discuss these separately in class:
Mount Rainier, WA.

Mauna Loa, Hawaii

Nyiragongo Volcano, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Mount Etna, Italy

Galeras Volcano, Colombia

Vesuvius Volcano, Italy

Consult with others in the class to be sure you do not overlap with anyone else.

Quote from IAVCEI: Decade Volcanoes

"IAVCEI stands for the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior. The Association represents the primary international focus for: (1) research in volcanology, (2) efforts to mitigate volcanic disasters, and (3) research into closely related disciplines, such as igneous geochemistry and petrology, geochronology, volcanogenic mineral deposits, and the physics of the generation and ascent of magmas in the upper mantle and crust.

The major activity of the Commission in recent years has been through its Sub-Commission on Decade Volcanoes. This represents the primary IAVCEI contribution to the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR). The aim of the Decade Volcanoes project is to direct attention to a small number of selected, active volcanoes world-wide and to encourage the establishment of a range of research and public-awareness activities aimed at enhancing an understanding of the volcanoes and the hazards posed by them."

Decade Volcanoes are a select group that have been identified as posing particular threats to populated areas. A useful link is

http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/DecadeVolcanoes/framework.html

Famous Volcanoes – Decade Volcanoes

1. Avachinsky-Koryaksky, Kamchatka

2. Colima Volcano, Mexico

3. Mount Etna, Italy

4. Galeras Volcano, Colombia

5. Mauna Loa, Hawaii

6. Merapi Volcano, Indonesia

7. Nyiragongo Volcano, Democratic Republic of the Congo

8. Mount Rainier, Washington

9. Sakurajima Volcano, Japan

10. Santa Maria/Santiaguito Volcano, Guatemala

11. Santorini Volcano, Greece

12. Taal Volcano, Philippines

13. Teide Volcano, Canary Islands, Spain

14. Ulawun Volcano, Papua New Guinea

15. Unzen Volcano, Japan

16. Vesuvius Volcano, Italy