Different Types of Volcanic

Hazards
Volcanic hazards are phenomena arising from volcanic activity that pose
potential threat to persons or property in a given area within a given period of
time. Below is a list of volcanic hazards common in Philippine active volcanoes.
Precursors of an Impending Volcanic
Eruption

 The following are commonly observed signs that a volcano is about to

erupt. These precursors may vary from volcano to volcano.
1. Increase in the frequency of volcanic quakes with rumbling sounds;
occurrence of volcanic tremors
2. Increased steaming activity; change in color of steam emission from white
to gray due to entrained ash
3. Crater glow due to presence of magma at or near the crater
4. Ground swells (or inflation), ground tilt and ground fissuring due to magma
intrusion
 5. Localized landslides, rockfalls and landslides from the summit area not
attributable to heavy rains
 6. Noticeable increase in the extent of drying up of vegetation around the
volcano's upper slopes
 7. Increase in the temperature of hot springs, wells (e.g. Bulusan and
Canlaon) and crater lake (e.g. Taal) near the volcano
 8. Noticeable variation in the chemical content of springs, crater lakes
within the vicinity of the volcano
 9. Drying up of springs/wells around the volcano
 10. Development of new thermal areas and/or reactivation of old ones;
appearance of solfataras
Signs of Volcanic Eruptions
 DISCUSSIONS

 Most volcanoes provide various types of warnings before eruptions begin. Some volcanoes,
especially those that have not erupted for a long time (hundreds of years) might display
obvious precursors of reactivation months to weeks before a major eruption (ex. Pinatubo
in 1991).
 Some volcanoes might explode without warning if the type of eruption is what is known as
phreatic. Also known as steam-blast eruptions, these events could occur with little or no
warning as superheated water flashes to steam similar to what happened at Mayon
volcano in 2013 and Ontake Volcano, Japan (2014)
 It is important to be able to observe warning signs of volcanic unrest so that people can
evacuate in time, to minimize injuries and casualties. It is therefore important to be able to
monitor a volcano’s activity, and this is normally done with the aid of different tools or
instruments to monitor the different parameters.
 DISCUSSIONS

 It is important to be able to observe warning signs of volcanic unrest so that people can
evacuate in time, to minimize injuries and casualties. It is therefore important to be able to
monitor a volcano’s activity, and this is normally done with the aid of different tools or
instruments to monitor the different parameters.
 This is further confirmed and supported by increasing number of earthquakes felt by the
local people. In addition other parameters such as gas measurements and water acidity
may also show signs of increasing trend.
 SOME DEFINITIONS

 Ground deformation- Ground deformation refers to surface changes on a volcano, such as

subsidence (sinking), tilting, or bulge formation, due to the movement of magma below the
surface. Deformation changes at a volcano, such as those related to magnitude or location,
may indicate that an eruption is about to occur.
 Use of remote sensing technology or techniques as applied to volcano monitoring.
Monitoring surface changes on a volcano from afar- using available tools such as satellite
images; advantage: less exposure on the ground for volcanologists, safer; but sometimes
interpretation needs field verification.
 Seismic activity—from earthquakes to swarms of earthquakes. Most unrest in volcanoes start
with volcanic earthquakes. Volcanoes and earthquakes go hand in hand. The challenge is to
determine which patterns of seismic waves precede an eruption. When magma makes its
way up to the surface it breaks the rocks along the way, and in so doing, earthquakes are
generated.
 Gases—types and rate of emission.
 Gases rise through vents called fumaroles (from the Latin for “smoke”) and other cracks.
Sometimes the concentrations are high enough to create acid rain that kills vegetation—
the trees at the Long Valley, California, caldera, for example.
 That’s one very visible sign of activity, but scientists have several ways to measure the rate
of emissions more precisely.
 They can collect samples from vents directly, but it is safer to use remote sensing
instruments.
 Scientists mount/ install infrared and correlation spectrometers from airplanes, for
example, and fly through a plume of gas. These instruments read energy signatures—
thermal output or electromagnetic frequencies—to identify and quantify the gases.
 Volcano Hazard Maps

 Volcano Alert Levels.

 In the Philippines, we use a system of Volcano Alert Signals to define the current status of
each volcano.
 The alert levels range from 0 to 5.
 The alert levels are used to guide any appropriate response from the Local Government
Units (LGUs).
 For each of the Alert Level, there should be a corresponding action coming from authorities.
For example, take a look at Mayon Volcano Alert Levels, if Alert Level 1 is declared, it is
advised the people should not venture into the 6-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone.
 The Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) for volcanoes is an delineated and
identified where no permanent habitation is recommended due to the
possible impact of various hazards at any time. For Mayon Volcano, the
area covered within 6-kilometer radius from the summit is delineated as
the PDZ. As soon as Alert Level is raised from 0 to 1, it is recommended that
people should not venture within this area at any time. This is already part
of the precautionary action taken by the Province of Albay when Alert 1 is
declared.
 The Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) for volcanoes is an delineated and
identified where no permanent habitation is recommended due to the
possible impact of various hazards at any time.
 For Mayon Volcano, the area covered within 6-kilometer radius from the
summit is delineated as the PDZ.
 As soon as Alert Level is raised from 0 to 1, it is recommended that people
should not venture within this area at any time.
 This is already part of the precautionary action taken by the Province of
Albay when Alert 1 is declared.
 Geologists gain better understanding of likely future hazards by studying the geology of
the volcano, observing eruptions and monitoring background levels of activity. These
are then shown in hazard maps.

 Hazard maps illustrate potential for ground-based volcanic impacts—lava flows, pyroclastic flows,
ashfall, volcanic gases, and more far-reaching hazards (such as lahars) in valleys that drain the
volcano.
 To help understand the areas that may be affected by specific volcanic eruption phenomena,
hazard maps are used. These maps show areas that can be affected and areas that are safe.
 Hazard maps are generated for various uses and are most useful in determining risks of living in
identified potentially hazardous areas.
 Hazard maps can also help people to become aware of specific dangers (lava flow , pyroclastic
flows, ashfall, lahars, etc) they might face in the event that a volcano reactivates.
 The most dangerous hazards from a volcano. Pyroclastic flows and surges (Pyroclastic
density current)- turbulent mass of ejected fragmented volcanic materials (ash and
rocks), mixed with hot gases (200oC to 700oC to as hot as 900oC) that flow downslope at
very high speeds (>60kph). Surges are th,e more dilute, more mobile derivatives or
pyroclastic flows.
 Pyroclastic flows and surges are potentially highly destructive owing to their mass, high
temperature, high velocity and great mobility.
 Pyroclastic flows can:
 I. Destroy anything on its path by direct impact
 II. Burn sites with hot rocks debris
 III. Burn forests, farmlands, destroy crops and buildings
 Deadly effects include;
 1. asphyxiation (inhalation of hot ash and gases),
 2. burial,
 3. incineration (burns) and
 crushing from impacts.
 The only effective method of risk mitigation is evacuation prior to such
eruptions from areas likely to be affected by pyroclastic density currents
Precautionary Safety Measures for Volcanic
Eruptions

 There are several kinds of events caused from volcanic action that can be harmful to life
and property.
 These include lava flows, lahars, ash falls, debris avalanches, and pyroclastic density
currents (pyroclastic flows and surges).
 Each volcano will have different characteristics of eruption depending on type
(composition which can be learned from the rocks from the volcano). As such, Alert Level
descriptions will vary.
 VOLCANIC ERUPTION PREPAREDNESS

 Before
 1. For longer-term development planning, consult available volcano hazard maps that indicate
areas declared as permanent danger zones (PDZs) and areas likely to be affected by different
volcanic hazards so that these areas are avoided when choosing sites for developing new
residential areas, commercial/ business areas, siting for critical facilities etc.
 2. Be aware of the kinds of volcanic hazards present in your area. Determine the distance of your
residence, workplace and livelihood (farms, etc) from the volcano. Know if you are within what
kilometer radius from the volcano summit your location is.
 3. Be aware of the meanings of Alert Levels, and recommended actions. Make sure your family
emergency plan has taken this into consideration.
 4. Be aware of community efforts such as identified evacuation areas as well as
designated pick up points . Make sure that the whole family knows about this. If you do
not plan to stay in evacuation area, and has other alternatives (another house,
relatives in another town), make sure that the whole family is aware of this.
 5. Stock enough non-perishable off and potable water. Cooking fuel, emergency
light,/ flashlight, whistle, battery operated radio, medicines, first-aid kit, dust mask,
should be made part of your emergency kit.
 6. Consider provisions for pet animals, etc.
 7. Always listen to the radio’s latest PHIVOLCS Alerts and information. Heed the advise
of community leaders or LGUs about evacuation procedures.
 During
 1. Stay inside the house or evacuation area. Do not go sightseeing.
 2. Listen to the radio for advise and information.
 3. If you are outside and very near the volcano, leave the area immediately. If
caught in ashfall or tephra (is fragmental material produced by a volcanic eruption
regardless of composition, fragment size or emplacement mechanism. Volcanologists
also refer to airborne fragments as pyroclasts. Once clasts have fallen to the ground
they remain as tephra) fall, seek shelter immediately. Sometimes, pieces of rocks may
be hot, seek care for burns right away.
 4. Do not drive. If you must drive, keep the ca windows up and do not operate the
air conditioning system as this will bring in ash from outside. Drive slowly as ashfall will
reduce visibility. Ash on road surface can cause the roads to become slippery.
 5. Check that your pet or livestock have enough food.
 6. Do not try to clean or shovel the ashfall during eruptions.
 7. Protect yourself from ashfall.
 I. Close windows and doors to stop the ash from entering the house.
 II. Turn off all electric fans and airconditioning units.
 III. Wear dust-mask or cover your face with clean wet towel or cloth to
prevent ash from irritating the eyes and entering the respiratory track.
 IV. Better to use bottled water. If you must use tap water, always boil
water first before using.
 After
 1. Listen to the latest update about Alert Levels, other information from the radio.
 2. Cook food thoroughly.
 3. If the family has evacuated during the eruption, only the adult members of the family should be
allowed to go home to inspect the house condition.
 4. Only when local authorities- the LGUs have declared that it is safe to go home that the family
should return.
 5. How to clean up an ashfall
 I. As soon as the ashfall has stopped, remove the ash immediately.
 II. Wear dust mask before you start cleaning.
 III. The recommended method to clean the ash is to lightly damp the ash so that it does not billow
when swept.
 IV. Clean house roofs first, to prevent damage to gutters and down-pipes.
 V. Do not dump ash in sewage systems.
 VI. Inside the house, use damp cloth to remove ash. Avoid vigorous rubbing as ash particles are very
abrasive.
 VII. To remove ash from your car, wash with plenty of water.