Student Article
New Computer Model Helps Predict Volcano Eruptions More Accurately
Volcano (noun): A mountain that can erupt with hot, melted rock.
Eruption (noun): When a volcano explodes and magma comes out.
Predict (verb): To guess what will happen in the future.
Magma (noun): Hot, melted rock inside the Earth.
Model (noun): A system or thing used to understand or predict something.
Volcanoes are fascinating but dangerous natural features.
Why are eruptions hard to predict?
When volcanoes erupt, the hot, melted rock called magma doesn't always come out from the top. Sometimes, it comes out from the sides or even travels sideways through the ground. This makes it hard to know where and when a volcano will erupt.
What is the new computer model for predicting eruptions?
Scientists at the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences have made a new computer model to help predict volcanic eruptions. They used information from past eruptions and studied how magma moves. They tested their model with data from a volcano in Italy called Campi Flegrei. The model was able to correctly guess where the magma came out in the past.
How does this new model help?
This new model can help scientists know more about where future eruptions might happen. This way, people can be safer and better prepared for volcano eruptions.
© Jason Goodyer / Our Media
Volcano (noun): A mountain that can erupt with hot, melted rock.
Eruption (noun): When a volcano explodes and magma comes out.
Predict (verb): To guess what will happen in the future.
Magma (noun): Hot, melted rock inside the Earth.
Model (noun): A system or thing used to understand or predict something.