VOLCANO HAZARD HANDOUTS

What is a Volcanic Hazard?

A volcanic hazard refers to any potentially dangerous volcanic process (e.g. lava flows, pyroclastic flows,
ash). 

What is a Volcanic Risk?

A volcanic risk is any potential loss or damage as a result of the volcanic hazard that might be incurred
by persons, property, etc. or which negatively impacts the productive capacity/sustainability of a
population.

What is a Volcano

Volcano is an opening or vent on the earth’s surface where molten rocks, gases, and ashes are rejected.

What is volcanologist?

Volcanologist is the study of volcano

Who are the volcanologist?

Basically the Geologist who focuses on the study of volcanic formation and activities.

Different Types of Volcanoes

1. Cinder cone volcanoes

2. Shield cone volcanoes

3. Composite volcanoes ( Stratovolcanoes )

1. Cinder cone volcanoes – they are formed from lava particles emitted in a vent.
Also the most common and smallest type of volcano, usually not more than 300 m (1000 ft) tall,
produced by pyroclastic flows.
2. Shield cone volcanoes – created because of continuous lava flow coming from the vents.
It is also from fluid lava that builds up slowly over time, creating a wide, gently-sloping mountain shaped
like a warrior's shield.
3. Composite volcanoes – are often steep-sided and the cones are closely symmetrical.

Classification of Volcano
1. Active volcano
2. Erupting volcano
3. Dormant volcano
4. Extinct volcano
 • 1. Active volcano – According to the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program, it has atleast one
eruption within the last 10,000 years
• 2. Erupting volcano – Explosion eruption happens because of a formation of gases under viscous
flow of magma, and the eruption ofter violent or rapid.
• 3. Dormant volcano – it is dormant because it has not erupted within the last 10,000 years.
• 4. Extinct volcano – kind of volcano has not had a eruption within historic times and is not
expected to erupt again in a comparable time scale of the future.

Active volcanoes in the world

• 1. Mount Eyjafjallajokull of Iceland ( also known as “ Island mountain glacier”) last eruption in
2010
• 2. Mount Vesuvius of Italy last eruption 1944
• 3. Mount Sakurajima of Japan last eruption in 1914
• 4. Mount Merapi of Indonesia last eruption 1548
• 5. Mount Nyiragongo of Democratic Republic of Congo last eruption

What are the signs that a volcano is about to erupt?

• - Volcanic earthquake
• - Increase steam emission
• - Rumbling sounds coming from the direction of volcano
• - Drying up of vegetation around the creater
• - Unusual change of water level at a crater lake
• - Unusual behavior of some species of animals in the vicinity of the volcano

Potential Volcano related Hazards

• 1. Lahar
• 2. Ashfall
• 3. Pyroclastic flow and surges
• 4. Ballistic Projectile
• 5. Volcanic Gases
• 6. Lava Flow
• 7. Debris avalanche
• 8. Volcanic Tsunamis

• 1. Lahar – Indonesian term for mudflows or flows of volcanic debris, it is a flowing mixture of
volcanic debris and water.
• 2. Ashfall – Volcanic ash is made up of rock, mineral, and fragments created during explosion
and separation of magma into smaller pieces.
• 3. Pyroclastic flow and surges – are extremely hazardous and destructive type of volcanic
activity, especially when there are simultaneous blast.
• 4. Ballistic Projectiles or Tephra Falls – fragments of volcanic rock ejected into air by explosion.
• 5. Volcanic Gases Emission – volcanic gas is one of the basic components of a magma or lava.
Active and inactive volcanoes may release gases to the atmosphere in the form of water vapor,
hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen chloride, and hydrogen fluoride.
 • 6. Lava Flow- mildly explosive when release. It is not a major threat to human lives because of
its slow rate of movement.
• 7. Debris avalanche – it is physically landslide that was triggered by intrusion of magma,
earthquake, heavy rainfall, or explosion from volcanoes.
• 8. Volcanic Tsunamis- Tsunami is a series of high water waves triggered by disruption of the
seafloor.

Mitigating Volcanic Eruption Related disaster.

• In the Philippines PHIVOLCS has put a 6 kilometers permanent danger zone around active
volcanoes. Aside from this various Alerts are issue by PHIVOLCS depending on the level of
activity of the volcano.
What to do when there is a Volcanic Eruption

Before Eruption
• 1. Stay alert and tuned in to the radio and television for hazard update.
• 2. Close all doors and windows. This will prevent or reduce ashes from getting inside your house
when there is an unexpected ash fall.
• 3. Bring your animals into closed areas / shelter
• 4. Know the evacuation plan of you local community and listen to the authorities for
instructions.
• 5. Keep your survival kit with you or whithin your reach.
• 6. Avoid staying at low areas that are prone to rock falls and lava flows.
• 7. Prepare for possible evacuation.
• 8. Know the areas that are at risk from volcano hazard.
• 9. Know you local community emergency early warning signals.
• 10. Make and keep a list of emergency hotlines like those of the Philippine Red Cross ( PRC ) and
National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC).
• 11. If you are in a high risk area, do a pre emptive evacuation.
During Eruption
• 1. Stay awake and alert.
• 2. Listen to and follow the instructions given by the authorities in you area.
• 3. If caught by rock fall, protect your head and get away from the affected areas as soon as
possible.
• 4. Cover your nose with wet cloth to protect it from ashes falling on the area.
• 5. Wear long sleeve shirts and pants.
• 6. Wear goggles and eyeglasses to protect you eyes from the ashes.
• 7. Never attempt to run a vehicle because this can stir up volcanic ashes.
• 8. If trapped call for rescue immediately.
After Eruption
• 1. Clear the pathways and canals from ashes and debris.
• 2. Stay tuned-in to news update.
• 3. Stay away from damage power lines.
• 4. Check for injured and trapped persons without entering directly into the damage area. Call for
rescue if there are trapped persons.