Volcanologists have discovered details about eruptions and the functions of a volcano that has aided in saving lives. These scientist have put observatories around the world by volcanoes to gather information.
Volcanoes are hard to predicate but there are some warnings that indicate that a volcano is about to erupt. As the population grows more people choose to live near dangerous volcanic areas. Here are some warnings to look out for: the temperature will increase, there will be small earthquakes and gas will come from the volcano vent.
Watching and observing volcanoes is expensive. It is difficult to predict the timing of the eruption. The movement of magma doesn't always produce a volcano because it cools below the surface of the earth. The inactivity of volcanoes makes it impossible to observe every volcano.
St. Helen
Volcanoes around the world
Geologists study the flow of lava. They map the speed and direction of the lava. Scientists observe the volcano by walking close to the edges.
Warnings:
- magma releases gases
- movement of magma produces earthquakes and vibrations
- swelling of volcano's slope
Tools:
- Tiltmeter - measures the expansion of the volcano
- Seismograph - determines earthquakes
- Correlation spectrometers - measures amounts of sulfur dioxide
- Global Positioning System
Tiltmeter