Measuring volcanoes

Analysis of plants charred by hot volcanic ash could be used to assess future hazards.

New research suggests that analysis of plants charred by hot pyroclastic ash from volcanoes could be used to assess future hazards. Hot pyroclastic flows are extremely dangerous and have caused many fatalities.
 
The study, published in the journal Geology, outlines how an extensive study of the Soufrière Hills volcano in Montserrat has led to an understanding of pyroclastic density current.

Pyroclastic density currents

Commenting on the research, Professor Andrew C. Scott from the Royal Holloway, University of London, one of the authors of the report, commented: "At Royal Holloway, we had previously shown that the reflectance of charcoal (seen under the microscope) could be used to give reliable temperature estimates of block and ash deposits from pyroclastic flows in Montserrat, but this is the first time we have used this technique to provide data on the nature of the pyroclastic density current itself."
 
Speaking on the importance of the research, he concluded: "Pyroclastic density currents are among the most dangerous volcanic hazards so any new research that helps in increasing our understanding of such phenomena is important."
 

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