Underwater sound signals created by 2022’s enormous Hunga eruption have pointed scientists to a new way to warn people of unpredictable volcanic tsunamis.
- Professor of Earth Sciences, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
AI models could spot volcanic eruptions earlier – and new research says the lives saved make the occasional false alarm worth the price.
The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano set new benchmarks for volcanic phenomena and efforts are under way to identify other submarine volcanoes around the world that could pose similar threats.
Before the deadly eruption of Whakaari White Island in December 2019, pressure and a tremor built up in a pattern seen in other volcanoes. It could help scientists develop an early-warning system.
A la erupción reciente podrían seguirle varias semanas o incluso años de gran agitación volcánica.
The eruption is akin to a weapons-grade chemical explosion, and there could be several weeks or even years of major volcanic unrest to follow.
One of the lessons we must take from the Whakaari tragedy is the cumulative nature of risk. Repeated visits to the volcanic island by tour guides placed them near unacceptable risk limits.
Charges regarding last year’s fatal Whakaari/White Island eruption should not be about blame, but about improving hazard warnings and enforcement, particularly for sites with a history of eruptions.
New Zealand has several volcanic areas that remain popular tourist destinations. A new early-alert system for eruptions would help operators determine when it is safe to visit an active volcano.
Five people have died and several remain unaccounted for after a sudden volcanic eruption on Whakaari/White Island off the east coast of New Zealand.
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