Jana Jackson Activity 5.4
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Central Piedmont Community College *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
101
Subject
Geology
Date
Apr 3, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
2
Uploaded by j.jackson0460
Jana Jackson
Exercise 5.4
(a) The lateral blast from the 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens extended outward approximately 15 from the crater. Vesuvius and Mt. St. Helens have the same VEI rating, so a similar event at Vesuvius is certainly possible. Using the distance scale on the Naples image, outline a 15-mile blast radius around Vesuvius. (b) Based on this blast radius, how much of the Naples metropolitan area do you think is endangered and should be evacuated? -
Based on this blast radius, I would recommend that 100% of the Naples metropolitan area
is endangered and should be evacuated. (c) Based on the past history of Vesuvius, what volcanic hazards besides an explosive blast would probably develop? -
Both volcanic ash and pyroclastic flow are hazards besides an explosive blast that would likely develop. (d) What is the average number of years that the volcano has remained dormant between eruptions during this period? -
The average number of years that the volcano has remained dormant between eruptions during this period is 100 years. (e) Does the active/dormant cycle appear to be regular or erratic? Explain.
-
This dormant cycle appears to be regular due to both the order of events and the eruption process. (f) Suggest a geologic explanation for this pattern. Explain
-
The nature of the volcanic activity is due to the rock cycle and the magma rising from the
tectonic plates. Not to mention the mudflows, dome and tephra eruptions. (g) Based on the average dormant interval following significant eruptions, predict when the next significant eruption is likely to occur. -
I predict that the next significant eruption will occur in 2100. (h) What factors make such predictions difficult and sometimes inaccurate? How do the 2004 eruption and 2017 earthquake swarms affect your prediction? -
Factors that make predictions difficult and sometimes inaccurate are the complexity of the earth's systems, limited date and observation, variability in activity patterns and climate change to name a few. The 2004 eruption and 2017 earthquake swarms affect my prediction because analyzing the factors that led to these events, as well as their impacts and aftermath, help to improve the understanding and prediction capabilities for similar events in the future. In addition, using tools like geologic history, topographic changes, seismic monitoring, volcanic gasses, and geophysical and groundwater changes we are able to make precise predictions. Comparison of the Yellowstone eruption with the effects of Mt. St. Helens gives us an idea of the difference between VEI 5 and VEI 8 eruptions. We cannot predict when or if a VEI 8 eruption will happen at Yellowstone again, but if it did, what would be its effect on the areas directly impacted by the ash? Which cities and states would suffer the most? Consider the effects
on the local economy, health, food supplies, and transportation networks. And although not all of
the United States would be directly affected by the ash fall or explosion, what do you think the effects would be on the rest of the country? If a VEI 8 eruption were to happen at Yellowstone again, the effects on the areas directly impacted by the ash would be extreme heat and ashfall. Cities and states that would suffer the most would likely be Montana, Idaho and Montana. Close cities such as Wyoming, Jackson and Montana would likely suffer as well. Effects on the local economy include negative impacts on agriculture and contamination of water. Not to mention that the exposure of volcanic ash could lead to serious respiratory problems in many and there may be a shortage of available access to healthcare. As for the rest of the country, climate change would be greatly affected along with significant social and economic changes.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help