International Volcano Scientists Unite

For the first time, the United States will host the international Volcano Observatory Best Practices workshop, previously held only in Italy. The workshop will take place from November 15-18 in Vancouver, Washington. It is designed specifically for volcano observatories around the world and their staff to exchange ideas and best practices with each other. 

“In order for volcano observatories to create the very best assessments, they collaborate and exchange information, methods and insights with international counterparts,” said John Pallister, the chief of the joint U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Agency for International Development Volcano Disaster Assistance Program. “One of the many ways that scientists collaborate is through meeting face-to-face at international workshops.”

This year, the VOBP workshop will focus on the importance of developing long-term hazard assessments.  Representatives from more than 20 volcanically active countries will share strategies for successfully creating hazard maps and communicating risk.

Focus on Long-term Hazard Assessments

Mt. Pinatubo Monitoring Equipment Installation

Staff from VDAP and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology install electronic tiltmeters to monitor inflation of the ground at Mt. Pinatubo in the Phillipines in June 1991. Photograph credit: USGS/VDAP

In 1985, a tragic lahar from Nevado del Ruiz volcano in Colombia killed more than 23,000 people. The loud rush of thick, gray, muddy water raced down through the once-quiet and green town of Armero and other surrounding communities. The swiftly flowing muck uprooted trees and lifted enormous boulders as if they were feathers, carrying giant debris miles away. Homes were buried in the thick, concrete-like mixture, and vital bridges were rendered useless.

The VOBP workshop is critical to helping observatories around the world prevent eruptions from becoming disasters like Nevado del Ruiz. There are approximately 1,550 potentially active volcanoes globally, highlighting the need for international collaboration to help save lives and property.

One major responsibility of volcano scientists is developing volcano hazard assessments.

“Historically, volcano hazard zonation maps and assessments are created by scientists who study the eruption frequency and distribution of eruption products at individual volcanoes,” said Wendy Stovall, a geologist at the USGS. “Increasingly, this geologic information is added to databases where dynamic hazards maps can be developed along with longer-term models and shorter-term forecasts of eruption impacts.”

Read More Here : https://www.usgs.gov/news/international-volcano-scientists-unite