Understanding Disasters >> Identifying
Volcanic eruptions are more common in the United States than many people may realize.
While the Hawaiian islands are familiar hot spots, such threats as Mount St. Helens, Mount Ranier and even the enormous caldera that is Yellowstone National Park may pose a significant risk for millions of people in the continental United States.
Michael Sheridan and his colleagues at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo, are developing technology that may identify not only the areas that could be affected by dangerous volcanic flows, but also the expected paths of destructive, hot avalanches and debris and the probability that a given locality could be inundated.
Combining mathematical modeling, geologic simulations, geographic information science, scientific computing and virtual reality, the researchers will ultimately provide accurate information on geologic dangers to scientists, civil-defense authorities and residents living in the shadow of a volcano.
The scientists use detailed satellite data of volcanoes and surrounding terrain to develop realistic, 3-D flow models and simulations. According to Sheridan, more people than ever before are living close to active volcanoes, so advanced technologies for estimating and limiting risks from volcanic activity hold enormous promise for safeguarding human lives.
Next: Understanding Disasters >> Studying
