Volcanoes stay safe · Stay Safe in Volcanoes
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Stay Safe in Volcanoes
Stay Safe in Volcanoes
If you are intending to venture into an area containing a highly active volcano, be aware that you are entering a potential hazard zone. Depending on the level of activity, the hazard zone may extend for several dozen kilometres, and there is the serious potential for pyroclastic flows and flying volcanic bombs, which are larger pieces of rocks thrown up by eruptions. Volcanic bombs can be up to the size of a soccer ball or even larger - enough to kill an unprotected person. Pyroclastic flows are clouds of red-hot ash and other volcanic debris that rush downslope from their source vents. They are some of the most dangerous parts of volcanic eruptions, as the temperature inside a pyroclastic flow can reach 400-700°C (~750-1300°F) and can reach speeds of up to 150 km/h (93 mph). Obviously, this means they can literally incinerate everything flammable in their path and then bury the area in hot ash. Other associated hazards like volcanic ashfall and lahars (volcanic mudflows) can extend for hundreds of kilometres more. Also, volcanic ash tends to stop aircraft and vehicle engines, so transportation in the area may be restricted or disrupted. Public safety authorities may order hazard areas evacuated and would normally prefer that the casual tourist stay well away. Unless you have some very genuine reasons for going to these places, the best advice is to stay away and watch it from the safety of your home on the TV news.
When active volcanoes are not erupting (in other words, simply dormant), many of them can be approached reasonably closely in safety. However, when visiting active volcanic areas, there are still plenty of hazards even in dormant volcanic areas. New lava flows may still be very hot for months or even years afterwards and may be only covered with a thin crust of solid rock. Old lava flows can be as sharp as broken glass, so wearing a good pair of shoes or hiking boots are a must.
Even geothermal areas can be hazardous. Many of the hazards encountered in geothermal areas are similar to volcanic hazards, because both arise from similar geological mechanisms. Hot springs and mud pools can be boiling hot, acidic or downright poisonous, hence do not even try to take a dip or approach unless it is absolutely safe to do so. Geysers are a common feature of major geothermal areas, and can erupt hot water or mud unexpectedly. Landslides are also common, as even volcanic rock can become weakened over time with acidic fumes seeping out of fumaroles (steam/gas vents) or hot springs. Noxious gases may come out of vents or similar holes in the ground and may be concentrated in enclosed low-lying spaces such as caves, manholes, and pool enclosures. Carbon dioxide, a byproduct of volcanic activity, is notorious for this and can kill swiftly with little or no warning.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Volcanoes
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Volcanoes - updated Apr 2024
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Volcanoes Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.