State-of-the-art in volcano forecasting

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No single predictive index appears to be the master key to volcanic forecasting. Individual volcanoes are unique variations of the general processes of volcanism, and the case history of one volcano cannot be always used to diagnose the symptoms of another. However, the situation is not hopeless. Useful though not precise forecasting is currently being practiced at Asama, in Japan; at Taal, in the Philippines; at Bezymianny in Kamchatka; at Kilauea in Hawaii, and at a few other volcanoes where continuous observations are being made. The only master key to forecasting is better understanding of volcanic processes. Basic research in the earth sciences should not be made the poor cousin of applied research to solve a particular problem, such as volcanic forecasting. Both basic and applied research are important, and they stimulate one another.