1.5 - Nyiragongo Flashcards
What is the name of the volcano in the DRC?
Mt. Nyiragongo
What were the impacts of the 2002 eruption of Nyiragongo?
147 killed
400,000 evacuated
How large is the lava lake at Nyiragongo?
2km wide
How fast can pyroclastic flows travel?
700km/hr
What are the properties of the lava at Nyiragongo?
- low silica concentration
- lava has low viscosity
- can move at 110 mph
What risks does the volcano crater present?
- If magma erupts with high pressure, crater walls can collapse
- can result in an earthquake
- around 5.0MW
- if crater walls collapse:
- lava lake stored within crater flows out rapidly due to back pressure
Which gases are emitted when a volcano erupts?
- fluorine
- methane
- carbon dioxide
Why is methane dangerous?
It can combust when ignited
Why is fluorine dangerous?
It is poisonous to humans and is more dense than oxygen
What risks does ash pose?
Ash fall can bury homes, people and farmland
- can be very heavy as thick blanket of ash falls on them.
When do Jökulhlaup occur?
Glaciers near volcanoes are heated, creates a large amount of meltwater
What possible hazards can arise from an eruption?
- Lava flows
- Gas emissions
- Pyroclastic flows
- Lahars
- Ash
