What can be done to mitigate the destructive power of volcanoes?
While we cannot control a volcano’s ability to erupt, vigilant monitoring of active volcanoes can allow scientists to predict when eruptions may occur. When accurate predictions are made, people can be evacuated from potential eruption zones, and both lives and property can be saved. Scientists use a variety of methods to monitor volcanic activity, including: a. Measurement of Gases. Volcanoes constantly emit gases through vents on the surface. Changes in the quantities of these gases—particularly carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide—may indicate that the volcano is preparing to erupt. Therefore, scientists carefully monitor gas levels at active volcanoes. Gas is collected at vents and fumaroles, then taken back to a lab for analysis. Gas collection is a tricky business, though, since it requires scientists to travel to hazardous areas on the volcano’s surface. Some remote techniques for gas collection are now being used as well. b. Measurement of Ground Deformation. When magma rises thro
