Researchers at Penn State University have come up with new methodologies to create more detailed off-the-shelf volcano hazard maps that reduce the need for dangerous fieldwork. The GIS-based approach that was developed by the U.S. Geological Survey for predicting volcan0-induced mudflows has been adapted to include pyroclastic flows or “ash hurricanes.”
“I expect this method to make a difference in volcano hazards mitigation,” said Barry Voight, professor emeritus of geosciences. “These maps can be created quickly, in a few days and e-mailed anywhere in the world. We do not need anyone on the ground to study the situation nor do we need a physics-based model to obtain robust curves. This approach saves time and saving time can save lives. We can now avoid being ‘too little and too late’ in our mitigation response.”
Read more about this research here.
