Laura Becerril

Stress controls of monogenetic volcanism: A review

The factors controlling the preparation of volcanic eruptions in monogenetic fields are still poorly understood. The fact that in monogenetic volcanism each eruption has a different vent suggests that volcanic susceptibility has a high degree of randomness, so that accurate forecasting is subjected to a very high uncertainty. Recent studies on monogenetic volcanism reveal how sensitive magma migration is to the existence of changes in the stress field caused by regional and/or local tectonics or rheological contrasts (stratigraphic discontinuities). These stress variations may induce changes in the pattern of further movements of magma, thus conditioning the location of future eruptions. This implies that a precise knowledge of the stress configuration and distribution of rheological and structural discontinuities at crustal level of such volcanic systems would aid in forecasting monogenetic volcanism. This contribution reviews several basic concepts relative to the stress controls in monogenetic volcanic fields, and uses this information to explain how magma migrates inside such volcanic systems and how it prepares to trigger a new eruption.

Volcano-structure of El Hierro (Canary Islands)

ABSTRACT The first complete volcano-structural map of El Hierro (Canary Islands, Spain) has been developed in order to provide a tool for volcano-tectonic analyses and volcanic hazard evaluation on the island. This map is a synthesis of collated and interpreted field data and bathymetric maps. We have integrated information obtained from: (1) high-resolution digital elevation models, (2) bathymetric information, (3) topographic, geologic and geomorphological maps, (4) aerial photographs and orthoimages, (5) previous reports and scientific publications, and (6) new detailed field surveys. The 1:100,000-scale map includes the main volcano-structural elements such as vents, eruptive fissures, dykes, faults, and landslides scars. This information has been used for analysing the volcano-tectonic evolution of El Hierro and for estimating the probability of new vent opening on the island (i.e. volcanic susceptibility). We expect that this map will underpin future geological studies and future volcanic risk assessment.

Enhancing Safety in a Volcano's Shadow

This research is funded by the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Unit (EC ECHO grant SI2.695524: VeTOOLS).

Probabilistic E-tools for Hazard Assessment and Risk Management

The impact of a natural event can significantly affect human life and the environment. Although fascinating, a volcanic eruption creates similar or even greater problems than more frequent natural events due to its multi-hazard nature and the intensity and extent of its potential impact. It is possible to live near a volcanic area and take advantage of the benefits that volcanoes offer, but it is also important to be aware of the existing threats and to know how to minimise risks. In this chapter, we present an integrated approach using e-tools for assessing volcanic hazard and risk management. These tools have been especially designed to assess and manage volcanic risk, to evaluate long- and short-term volcanic hazards, to conduct vulnerability analysis, and to assist decision-makers during the management of a volcanic crisis. The methodology proposed here can be implemented before an emergency in order to identify optimum mitigating actions and how these may have to be adapted as new information is obtained. These tools also allow us identifying the most appropriate probabilistic and statistical techniques for volcanological data analysis and treatment in the context of quantitative hazard and risk assessments. Understanding volcanic unrest, forecasting volcanic eruptions, and predicting the most probable scenarios, all imply a high degree of inherent uncertainty, which needs to be quantified and clearly explained when transmitting scientific information to decision-makers.