From eruptions in Iceland to Krakatau in Indonesia, there have been many volcanic eruptions making headlines in 2023. And we saw plenty of eruptions in 2022. From the Lascar volcano in Chile, Mount Semeru in Indonesia and Hunga Tonga in the South Pacific to the quiet eruptions of Mauna Loa, 2022 was quite the year for volcanoes.
But, how can scientists predict volcanic eruptions before they erupt?
While volcanic eruptions like Mauna Loa are relatively calm and cause minimal damage, eruptions like Mount Semeru and Hunga Tonga can force people to evacuate their homes, cause extensive damage to property and the ecosystem, and even death. Though there is no telling how much damage a volcanic eruption can have, there are ways to predict when eruptions may occur.
What Causes a Volcano to Erupt?
A volcano erupts when magma rises to the surface due to lower density and pressure, aided by the formation of gas bubbles. The type and severity of an eruption depend on various geological factors, including the composition of the magma and the Earth's tectonic activity. Here's a breakdown of what causes a volcano to erupt:
