The volcanic risk is very real and the threat of a large-scale explosion, affecting the entire planet, is always present. But are we ready to endure such a catastrophe? Researchers warn of our dramatic vulnerability to this type of event.
Every day, one or more
The study of volcanoes is volcanology or vulcanology. Volcanic activity is one of…” data-image=”https://cdn.futura-sciences.com/buildsv6/images/midioriginal/d/c/f/dcfcbbf72e_125167_volcan-arenal-costa-rica. jpg” data-url=”/planet/definitions/volcanology-volcano-3537/” data-more=”Read more” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank”>volcanoes are erupting somewhere on the globe. The
Several categories of volcanic eruptions
There are three main categories of eruptions…” data-image=”https://cdn.futura-sciences.com/buildsv6/images/midioriginal/e/6/d/e6d4dc734e_124536_eruption-volcan-01.jpg” data -url=”/planet/definitions/earth-structure-volcanic-eruption-455/” data-more=”Read more” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank”>volcanic eruptions are indeed part of the Earth’s dynamics and represent a normal natural phenomenon that has dominated geodynamic manifestations for 4.5 billion years.
Yet every eruption is different. Effusive, with lava flows, or explosive, of extremely variable durations, volcanic eruptions can be of very different styles. Their power and their impact on populations and the environment can thus vary significantly. While effusive volcanoes, such as Cumbre Vieja in the Canary Islands, are impressive for the torrents of lava they produce, they are not, however, the most dangerous volcanoes.
Explosive volcanoes are the most worrying. Their range of action can be much wider, in particular by the release of large quantities of gaz and ashes in the high atmosphere and by the generation of fiery clouds or tsunamis in the case of volcanoes located in an oceanic environment.
