Determining the timing of an eruption in a monitored volcano depends on measuring a number of parameters, including, but not limited to, seismic activity at the volcano (especially depth and frequency of volcanic earthquakes), ground deformations (determined using a tiltmeter and/or GPS, and satellite interferometry), and gas emissions (sampling the amount of sulfur dioxide gas emitted by correlation spectrometer, or COSPEC). An excellent example of successful forecasting occurred in 1991. Volcanologists from the U.S. Geological Survey accurately predicted the June 15 eruption of the Pinatubo Volcano in the Philippines, allowing for the timely evacuation of the Clark Air Base and saving thousands of lives.

4 Comments

1. 1. cigarshaped 06:18 AM 11/8/08

   We have a problem with 'geographyhomework' at 02:55 PM on 09/09/08. This may be old news but needless repitition is wasting useful reply space!

   Reply | Report Abuse | Link to this

2. 2. cigarshaped 06:22 AM 11/8/08

   Please delete the garbage our friend 'geographyhomework at 02:55 PM on 09/09/08 has enetered. I agree that some articles are a bit deep but that is what science sites tend to do well. My main problem is with the lack of electrical content in these arguemnts. The erath is subject to an enormous electrical influence ie the SUN and its surroundings That puts stresses on the crust just like any other capacitive charging system.

   Reply | Report Abuse | Link to this

3. 3. nrg freik in reply to Bunny 10:39 PM 8/9/12

   yes that is true homework sperates people from their family

   Reply | Report Abuse | Link to this

4. 4. 14costurm in reply to cuutie danie12 09:27 AM 9/10/12

   dude learn how to spell!!

   Reply | Report Abuse | Link to this