ABSTRACT
Within the context of the role of monitoring in forecasting, this chapter examines some case studies of recent eruptions and caldera unrest. With wider application of current technology to many more volcanoes combined with anticipated improvements in the acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of measurement data, volcano monitoring promises to play even a greater role in forecasting volcanic events in the coming decades. Forecasts and predictions can be either long term or short term. The chapter explores the views eloquently expressed by R. E. Stoiber & S. N. Williams and by D. A. Swanson that geological field observations and simple monitoring approaches must be integral components in any comprehensive program of volcano monitoring. An important prerequisite in recognizing possible patterns of precursory behaviour–eruptive activity is the acquisition of baseline monitoring data for an active or potentially active volcano, during periods of inactivity as well as activity.
