Impending Eruption example essay topic

2. Predict the location of the expected eruption. The first evidence of an impending eruption is usually a series of seismic events or earthquakes. By observing the movement of seismic activity in the Kilauea Seismic Cross-section one can see an impending eruption is likely to occur in the area surrounding Pu'u'O'o. This is due to the fact that the Earthquakes are moving toward this area and as time passes are becoming closer to the surface, which allows for an eruption to occur. Most likely the eruption will take place approximately three kilometers East of Pu'u'O'o.

3. Recommend a plan of action for Hilo. According to the information gathered one can conclude that the people of Hilo should not be too concerned about the impending eruption. For them a proper plan of action may simply include only careful continuous monitoring. As explained earlier, the eruption will occur approximately three kilometers East of Pu'u'O'o. This eruption will also not be of great magnitude due to the relatively small volume of the bulge, which is.

01495 km^3. This measurement is smaller than that of the past eruption of Kilauea in 1983 of 0.1 kilometers^3, which was considered a large eruption, thus showing this eruption will be smaller. Most likely the lava will not even flow toward Hilo; this can be determined by observing the Hawaii Topographic Overlay Map and locating Kilauea. Due to the fact that the lines on the topographical map are further apart when approaching Hilo from Kilauea, one can conclude that the land is not very steep, causing it to become very difficult for lava to flow approximately 25 miles to Hilo. Although Hilo is lower than the site of the eruption the chances of lava reaching there to cause damage is unlikely. 4.

Recommend a plan of action for Puna. Contrary to the conditions and concerns faced in Hilo, the people of Puna should be a little more concerned about the impending eruption. Puna is approximately 10 miles from Kilauea and it is more likely to affect the people of Puna than Hilo. According to the topographical map the mountain has a decline that leads to the Puna Coast, allowing the lava easy access to this area because it is easier to flow down to. This situation may cause concern to people living in this area and may cause some to desire to place a restriction on this area. Instead of completely evacuating the area and causing an inconvenience to everyone, the area should simply allow businessmen working in the area, police officers, homeowners, geologists, and forest rangers in.

They can then monitor the development of the eruption carefully and make decisions to possibly evacuate as the situation progresses. 5. Recommend a plan of action for the National Park. In the case of the National Park one can see that it is in the greatest amount of danger. This is due to the fact that it is closest to Kilauea. It can also be seen on the topographic map that the contour lines are closest together in this region, showing that the mountain is the steepest in this area.

This will then allow for the lava to flow the quickest and easiest towards the national park. With this information in mind it would make the most sense to evacuate the area. Even though this will anger those who want to make money like companies running tours, restaurants, and concession stands in the Park, it would be safest for all to miss out on this money making opportunity on the chance that this evacuation could possibly save lives.