From eruption scenarios to probabilistic volcanic hazard analysis: An example of the Auckland Volcanic Field, New Zealand

Publication type

Journal Article

Research Area

Volcano

Abstract

The dichotomy between probabilistic and scenario-based volcanic hazard assessments stems from their opposing strengths and weaknesses. The quantification of uncertainty and lack of bias in the former is balanced against the temporal narrative and communicability of the latter. In this paper we propose a novel methodology to bridge between the two, deriving a pseudo-probabilistic hazard estimate from a suite of dynamic scenarios covering multiple volcanic hazards and transitions in eruptive style, as designed for emergency management purposes, in a monogenetic volcanic field. We use existing and new models for eruption style transitions, which provide probabilities conditional on local environmental conditions, thus obtaining the relative likelihoods of each scenario at every location in the field. The results are interpreted in terms of the probability of various hazards and combinations of hazards arising from various scenarios at critical locations. Conversely, we also demonstrate that it may be possible to optimise the likelihood of the scenario allocations across desired locations for emergency management training purposes.

Publication Details

Journal

Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research

Volume

397

Date Published

05/2020

Subscribe to the EOS Newsletter

Stay in touch with the latest news, events, research, and publications from the Earth Observatory of Singapore.

Email is required

Email is wrong format

You Can Make a Difference

Partner with us to make an impact and create safer, more sustainable societies throughout Southeast Asia.
Make A Gift