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

- **ID:** `disaster/volcano-shelter-in-cave-entrance-myth`
- **Domain:** disaster
- **Category:** life_threatening
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 88%

## 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.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| USGS Volcano Hazards Program 4.1 | active | — | — |
| IAVCEI Guidelines 2023 | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

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

## Dead Ends

- **** — Thinking that the cave blocks radiant heat; lava tubes can radiate heat from the walls and floor, causing burns. (85% fail)
- **** — Assuming that the cave is sealed from ash; ash can enter and accumulate, causing respiratory distress. (80% fail)
- **** — Believing that the cave is safe from pyroclastic flows; these flows can enter caves and incinerate occupants. (90% fail)