Estimation of Volcanic Hazards from Tephra Fallout

Abstract

The goal of probabilistic volcanic hazard assessment is to translate complex volcanological data and numerical models into practical hazard estimates for communities potentially affected by volcanic eruptions. Probabilistic volcanic hazard assessment quantifies volcanic hazards and illustrates uncertainties about the magnitude and consequences of volcanic activity. Planning based on probabilistic volcanic hazard assessment has the potential of mitigating the effects of volcanic eruptions when they occur. This paper presents an approach developed to estimate volcanic hazards related to tephra fallout and illustrates this approach with a tephra fallout hazard assessment for the city of Leon, Nicaragua, and the surrounding area. Tephra fallout from eruptions of Cerro Negro volcano has caused damage to property and adverse health effects and has disrupted life in this area. By summarizing the geologic and historical records of past eruptions of Cerro Negro on a probability tree, it is shown that the inhabitan...