Additional rules:
You may only change (increase or decrease) your hazard level by
1 level each day. For example, you may only increase to hazard
level 4 if you were previously at a hazard level 3, etc. The only
exception: if you feel the data indicate an imminent eruption, you
may jump to hazard level 5 at any time. However, keep in mind that
you must still pay the evacuation fees associated with it, AND
fewer residents are likely to evacuate more than once.
You MUST plot your data as you go along - there will not be
opportunities to go back in time, and viewing the trends in your
data is the only way to make a sound decision with regards to
hazard level and evacuation.
After issuing your hazard level warning daily at 5 pm, deduct the
appropriate amount from your total budget and record your new
budget remaining.
Remember that this is just a demonstration: don't get too
attached to finding the "right answer" and instead use this as a
learning opportunity and a chance to reflect on the challenges of
this responsibility.
Budget and Hazard Level Log Volcano Hazard Monitoring Team
Day
Hazard Level
Evacuation Orders (Y/N)
Daily Costs
Total Remaining $
14-May
1
No
N/A
$1,000,000
15-May
16-May
17-May
18-May
19-May
20-May
21-May
22-May
23-May
24-May
25-May
26-May
27-May
28-May
29-May
30-May
31-May
1-Jun
2-Jun
3-Jun
4-Jun
5-Jun
6-Jun
7-Jun
8-Jun
9-Jun
10-Jun
11-Jun
12-Jun
13-Jun
14-Jun
15-Jun
16-Jun
17-Jun
18-Jun
19-Jun
20-Jun
21-Jun
22-Jun
23-Jun
24-Jun
25-Jun
26-Jun
27-Jun
28-Jun
29-Jun
30-Jun
What data patterns did you rely upon to decide when to issue the
evacuation recommendation? What date did you choose?
According to your graphs, what data showed increasing values
leading up to the eruption?
According to your graphs, what data showed decreasing values
leading up to the eruption?
According to your graphs, what data was most important leading
up to the actual eruption?
Why are stratovolcanoes (or composite) volcanoes so
dangerous?
What kinds of rocks would you find at a stratovolcano? (Be
specific...don't just say "igneous").
Shield volcanoes are less hazardous than composite cone
volcanoes (aka stratovolcanoes). Describe at least three
reasons why shield volcanoes are less dangerous than composite
cones.
What is your advice to other volcanologists monitoring
volcanoes?
Is your perception of scientists' roles in natural disasters (or
pandemics!) any different after completing this activity? Explain.
What worked well for you in this lab? What can you do to
improve?