Effective Communication of Volcanic Hazards for Risk Mitigation in Urban Areas

Volcanic hazard assessment is a critical field of research that combines historical eruption records with modern monitoring technologies to forecast, predict, and manage potential volcanic events and their impact on society. Cities near active volcanoes face unique risks not only from eruptions but also from secondary hazards such as underwater landslides, tsunamis, earthquakes, and ash fallout. Several urban areas are particularly vulnerable to volcanic hazards, where disruptions can cascade through transportation, healthcare, and governance systems, potentially impacting regional stability. Recent studies underscore the importance of detailed demographic data and tailored hazard assessments in reducing these risks and protecting communities by planning effective mitigation strategies.

Despite significant advancements in monitoring and data analysis, there is still much to learn about the complex interactions between volcanic processes and urban environments. This gap highlights the need for improved research on risk assessment methodologies and more effective communication strategies between scientists, authorities, and local communities. Social media and other digital platforms have proven essential in relaying hazard information quickly and broadly, yet challenges remain in ensuring accuracy and trust.

This research topic aims to investigate volcanic hazards affecting urban areas through diverse methodologies, emphasizing the creation of hazard and exposure maps to enhance risk assessments and inform emergency planning. Key research questions include:

• How can historical eruption data and present-day surveillance be combined to improve hazard modelling for multi-hazard events?

• How can exposure maps be effectively integrated with demographic and infrastructure data to improve real-time risk assessments and emergency response?

• What are the primary factors influencing the accuracy of volcanic hazard prediction models in urban areas, and how can these models be improved?

• What role do socio-economic factors play in determining the vulnerability and resilience of urban populations to volcanic hazards?

• What are the challenges and opportunities in fostering collaboration between local authorities, scientists, and community leaders in urban settings exposed to volcanic risks?

• By exploring these questions, the research seeks to contribute to more resilient risk reduction strategies and strengthen collaboration with civil authorities. We welcome contributions that address, but are not limited to, the following themes:

• Integrating historical eruption data with modern surveillance techniques to improve forecasting.

• Assessing the impact of demographic changes on volcanic risk and response planning.

• Developing and applying exposure maps for different volcanic hazards in urban environments.

• Evaluating the role of social media and other digital tools in disseminating volcanic hazard information.

• Case studies of volcanic hazard assessments in cities exposed to risks from eruptions, landslides, tsunamis, and related events.

• Interdisciplinary approaches that incorporate fields such as petrology, geochemistry, and seismology.

• Strategies for enhancing collaboration between scientists and civil authorities to improve disaster preparedness and management

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: volcanic hazard, volcano structure, eruption forecasting, megacities, vulnerability

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.