Question

How do geologists measure volcanic eruptions?

Answer 1

Hint:Considered as one of nature’s most terrifying events, a volcano is a vent or a fissure when build-up magma or the molten rock from the earth’s hot interior emerges onto the surface. Volcanoes are of different types and sizes depending on the thickness of the lava and the shape of their vents.

Complete answer:
 A geologist can make use of a variety of equipment to measure several aspects of a volcano such as its size and intensity compared to other eruptions, the gases it produces or the amount of lava the volcano emits.

One important tool that geologists use is the Volcano Explosivity Index. The VEI is a scale that rates a volcanic eruption based on certain criterias. The scale starts from 0 to 8. By measuring the amount of erupted rock particles during an eruption and the height of the volcanic plume, a geologist can correctly pinpoint its VEI.Other instruments such as Infrared cameras, satellite imagery, the GPS systems and cameras are some of the equipment that a geologist can make use of in order to pinpoint the details on volcanic eruptions. These equipment help in measuring ground deformations, amount of lava flow and the frequency from an eruption.

A geologist can also pay close attention to the gases produced during volcanic eruptions as they contain valuable information on what conditions the rocks and minerals have been exposed to. By using instruments such as COSPEC, a geologist can perform both remote as well as direct sampling.

Note: Volcanic eruptions are one of earth’s most dramatic and violent agents of change. Therefore detecting or analyzing it on time allows eruptions to be anticipated and forewarns the communities who might be at risk.