ABSTRACT
The processes that produce volcanic eruptions, impacts on people and their activities and the measures that may be taken in order to mitigate their consequences are the foci of this review. The nature and style of eruptions are related to differing plate tectonic situations and features of the sub-aerial environment, especially water availability. Eruptive style is related to both the traditional descriptive terminology (e.g. Plinian, Strombolian) and the more quantitative Volcanic Explosivity Index. The impacts of volcanic products (e.g. lava flow, pyroclastic density currents and tephra) are reviewed using two ‘classic’ volcano-related emergencies (Etna, Italy, in 1928 and Pinatubo, Philippines, in 1991) as examples. Progress toward the mitigation of the effects of eruptions through prediction is discussed and placed within the context of policies to boost the resilience and reduce the vulnerability of societies that are affected. The review concludes with an analysis of future areas of research.
