Volcano monitoring in Latin America: taking a step forward

Abstract

Monitoring the state of active volcanoes is the foundational component of volcanic risk reduction strategies. To a large extent, these responsibilities rest with volcano observatories. Based on the 11 Reports that constitute this Special Issue—“Volcano Observatories in Latin America”—we provide a comprehensive overview of the work that has been carried out by the observatories in Latin America, a region in which tens of millions of people are exposed to volcanic activity. Since the first steps taken in the 1980s, volcano observatories of the region have made significant progress in assessing and monitoring volcanic activity. Currently, 17 institutions officially contribute to monitoring 135 volcanoes in 10 countries. Along with the improvements in the instrumental, technical, and operational capabilities, advancements have been made in long-term hazard assessment and hazard communication. But despite all the progress accomplished, several challenges and limiting factors still remain, such as the lack of financial resources and training opportunities. Efforts should be focused on increasing the number and quality of monitoring networks. El monitoreo del estado de los volcanes activos es un componente fundamental de las estrategias para la reducción del riesgo volcánico. En gran medida, estas responsabilidades recaen en los observatorios volcánicos. A partir de los 11 Reportes que constituyen este Número Especial –“Observatorios volcanológicos en América Latina”– brindamos un detallado resumen del trabajo llevado adelante por los observatorios en Latinoamérica, una región con decenas de millones de personas expuestas a la actividad volcánica. Desde sus primeros pasos a principios de 1980, los observatorios volcanológicos de la región han logrado avances significativos en la evaluación y vigilancia de la actividad volcánica. Actualmente, 17 instituciones contribuyen oficialmente al monitoreo de 135 volcanes en 10 países. Junto con las mejoras en sus capacidades instrumentales, técnicas y operativas, se produjeron avances también en la evaluación y comunicación de peligros a largo plazo. A pesar del avance logrado, aún persisten desafíos y factores limitantes, como la falta de recursos económicos y oportunidades de capacitación. Los esfuerzos futuros deben centrarse en aumentar el número y la calidad de las redes de monitoreo.

The Andean Southern Volcanic Zone: a review on the legacy of the latest volcanic eruptions

“…Latin American volcano monitoring institutions are comparatively younger than those in other regions of the world and, in many cases, were created after volcanic crises or disasters (Forte et al, 2021). This holds true for both Argentina and Chile, where SVZ volcanic eruptions have helped in securing a regular flow of resources for volcano monitoring and hazard programs.…”

“…The creation of the RNVV in 2009, because of the 2008 Chaitén eruption, represented a turning point in volcano monitoring in Chile. Since then, surveillance of SVZ volcanoes improved significantly in quantity and quality, becoming a regional and world reference (Amigo, 2021;Forte et al, 2021). Nowadays, the RNVV monitors 45 volcanoes, 35 of which are in the SVZ.…”

The Volcanic Hazard Maps Database: an initiative of the IAVCEI Commission on Volcanic Hazards and Risk

“…The V-hazard Database on Volcanic Hazard Maps and Reference Material (National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention & Volcanological Society of Japan, 2013) contains all volcanic hazard maps published between 1983 and 2013 for 40 active volcanoes in Japan, a total of over 300 maps. Recent work by Forte et al (2021) compiled information about Latin American hazard maps and proved a valuable resource for discovering additional maps for the Volcanic Hazard Maps Database population.…”

Hazard perception

“…In contrast, over 50% of active volcanoes in Latin America go unmonitored 1 and related publications are relatively sparse despite the risks. Similarly, the 2010 Maule megathrust earthquake in Chile was close in magnitude to the Sumatra and Tohoku events, but occurred before recent expansions in the country's seismic station coverage.…”

“…Smartphone sensors have also been used as part of early warning systems for earthquakes 4 . Cooperation between national and international partners is especially important, as demonstrated by the recent efforts by Latin American countries to increase the number of volcanoes being monitored by sharing resources, data and expertise 1 .…”