Simulations of measures to control lava flows

Abstract

We evaluated the quantitative effects of artificial barriers, water-cooling and guiding channels on lava flow using the lava simulation program LavaSIM. Lava flow is basically subject to the topography around the path, effusive rate and viscosity. To prevent damage due to lava flow, we conducted experiments in controlling the flow direction, velocity and temperature. The simulation demonstrated that artificial barriers can successfully change the direction of a lava flow and is more effective when placed nearly parallel to the flow direction at a point where the topography is not very steep, while a barrier placed perpendicular to the flow direction can only stop the flux temporarily, ultimately allowing the solidified crust to accumulate and causing the following mass to go over the barrier. The water-cooling trial was also effective in controlling the direction and temperature, although the amount of water was as much order as 105 m3. The guiding channels successfully control the direction and inundated area but only in local areas.