[ v o l c a n o e s   :   p r e v e n t i o n ]

Currently, it is impossible to prevent a volcanic eruption, but it is possible to keep damage to a minimum. In 1973, citizens of Iceland poured cold water onto flowing lava to slow it down, an act that helped save the fishing port of Heimay. In Sicily, on Mount Etna, engineers have blasted holes in the hard crust covering a lava flow using explosives. The lava then turns to flow out through the holes instead of swallowing villages in its original path.

As increased reporting and computer analyses continue, we are gaining more and more knowledge of eruption frequencies and durations. Hopefully, this information can help us to prepare for future volcanic activity.

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