SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM

VII. Volcanoes and human societies  

VII.3 Start spreading the news: Diverse and effective methods for communicating about volcanoes

Conveners:
Rachel Teasdale, California State University, Chico; rteasdale@csuchico.edu
Erik Klemetti, Denison University; klemettie@denison.edu
Wendy Stovall, USGS Volcano Hazards Program; wstovall@usgs.gov
Sally Kuhn Sennert, USGS Volcano Hazards Program; kuhns@si.edu
Kaatje van der Hoeven Kraft, Whatcom Community College; kkraft@whatcom.ctc.edu
Deanne Bird, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Iceland; dkb1@hi.is

Volcanic activity is inherently exciting and interesting. Communicating volcano information not only serves people's interests, it is also vital for volcano observatories, public agencies, and science communicators to deliver reliable volcano data and hazards information in a timely manner, especially to at-risk populations. Factual scientific information can be distributed in a variety of ways – from interactive web-based media to in-person place-based teaching. Social media has become increasingly important in spreading information and creating interest, but challenges arise when non-authoritative sources undermine facts with inaccurate information. Educational and outreach activities that incorporate authentic data help people better understand potential volcanic hazards, calculate related risks and prepare for emergencies. The aim of this session is twofold: (1) highlight effective methods for volcano scientists and public agencies to convey accessible, factual and time-sensitive information via social media; and (2) provide examples of projects that use geologic data to teach in university environments, train non-scientist emergency management personnel and disseminate information before and during volcanic crises. We invite submissions of successful approaches that use a variety of information delivery platforms. Presentations should include qualitative or quantitative assessments that demonstrate the efficacy of educating the target population.