Facts About Volcanology

By Carey Bourdier


Simply put, that particular crack in the Earth's crust that can force out volcanic ash and lava is a volcano. Several volcanoes can be found the world over where some of them are active while some are dormant but note that history has it that this force of nature can truly result to hundreds of death for people and even animals. Those who study these geological features are known as volcanologists.

There are several reasons why volcanologists study volcanoes but on top of them all is that need to predict volcanic eruptions hence, volcanology. Several lives can be saved because of this. However even when volcanologists has the capacity to measure seismic activity as well as the level of gases it may still be tough to tell the exact time when a volcano is to erupt and its extent of eruption too.

In the last 50 years, more than 25,000 people have been killed because of volcanic eruptions. In terms of loss of life, the eruption of Nevado del Ruiz in Colombia was the most catastrophic of these volcanic events, with more than 22,000 people being killed as a result of the eruption. In the United States, the eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980 was the most destructive in our nation's history, causing the death of 57 people and causing millions of dollars in damage

To help them with their studies, volcanologists use a variety of tools. One important tool is a type of clinometer or inclinometer known as a tilt meter. In general, a clinometer is a device which measures the angles of slope. The tilt meter is specially constructed to measure tiny changes in the horizontal level. This device can measure extremely small changes accurately, which can help scientists record changes in the volcano. Seismometers are another helpful tool volcanologists use that measures seismic waves.

Seismic activity is an obvious occurrence prior any volcanic eruption. Different gases are also released which volcanologists measure in terms of their varying levels using special devices. One such device is a correlation spectrometer and this one is meant to measure the levels of sulfur dioxide. Know that the rise in the level of this particular type of gas surrounding a volcano is significant sign that an eruption is possible.

At the start of the study of volcanologists, there is an array of surveying tools essential as well including theodolites and some optical instruments. Once a thorough survey is conducted rock samples can then be collected given the fact that rocks near volcanoes are sources of historical prospective on that given area. Why even when there are high-tech equipment being used these days, you should know that the most basic rock hammer is still definitely a good help for volcanologists in collecting rocks.




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