VOLCANIC HAZARD

A volcanic hazard refers to any potentially dangerous volcanic process that puts human lives, livelihoods or
infrastructure at risk of harm.

Signs Of Impending Volcanic Eruption

1. Increase in the frequency of volcanic quakes with rumbling sounds; occurrence of volcanic tremors.
2. Increased steaming activity; change in color of steam emission from white to gray due to entrained ash.
3. Crater glow due to presence of magma at or near the crater.
4. Ground swells (or inflation), ground tilt and ground fissuring due to magma intrusion.
5. Localized landslides, rockfalls and landslides from the summit area which not attributable to heavy rains.
6. Noticeable increase in the extent of drying up of vegetation around the volcano’s upper slopes.
7. Increase in the temperature of hot springs, wells crater lake near the volcano;
8. Noticeable variation in the chemical content of springs, crater lakes within the vicinity of the volcano;
9. Drying up of springs/wells around the volcano;
10. Development of new thermal areas and/or reactivation of old ones; appearance of solfatara.

Potential Volcano-related Hazards

1. Lahar

Lahar is an Indonesian word describing a mudflow or debris flow that originates on the slopes of a volcano.

2. Ash fall

Ashfall is the volcanic hazard likely to affect the greatest number of people in the Pacific Northwest during a
volcanic eruption. Though falling ash is not typically life threatening, it can impact our lives in many ways.
Volcanic ash is a mixture of rock, mineral, and glass particles expelled from a volcano during a volcanic
eruption.

3. Pyroclastic flow

A pyroclastic flow is a hot (typically >800 °C, or >1,500 °F ), chaotic mixture of rock fragments, gas,
and ash that travels rapidly (tens of meters per second) away from a volcanic vent or collapsing flow
front.

Pyroclastic flows (also known as a “nuee ardente”) can be extremely destructive and deadly because of
their high temperature and mobility.

4. Ballistic projectiles

Ballistic projectiles are fragments of solid (blocks) or fluid (bombs) material ejected during the range of
magmatic or phreatic (steam) explosive eruptions. They are centimeters to tens of meters in diameter and
follow near-parabolic trajectories separate from the main eruption column.

5. Volcanic gases

Volcanic gases are composed mainly of water, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. During violent eruptions,
these gases are injected into the stratosphere.

6. Lava flow

Lava flows are masses of molten rock that pour onto the Earth's surface during an effusive eruption.
 FIRE HAZARD

 A fire hazard is any condition or situation that increases the likelihood of a fire starting or poses a
significant risk in the event of a fire.

 This includes a wide range of factors such as flammable materials, electrical malfunctions, inadequate fire
safety measures, and human negligence.

 Identifying and mitigating fire hazards is crucial in both residential and commercial settings to ensure
safety and prevent property damage.

 Effective fire hazard management involves regular risk assessments, adherence to safety regulations,
installation of fire detection and suppression systems, and public education about fire prevention practices.

 Understanding and addressing fire hazards are key components in safeguarding people, property, and the
environment from the devastating impact of fires.

Fire Hazards and Related Concepts