3D models show the danger of volcanoes

In a classroom experiment, scientists in Mexico built 3D models for students to understand geographic issues.

One of the dangers of volcanoes is that it does not erupt regularly or periodically to remind people of its danger.The Popocatépetl volcano or the so-called Popo in Mexico, had a strong eruption in 1,100 years ago.

Since then, its eruptions are no longer violent but sometimes occur. However, this still does not reduce the number of people living in the mountainside, but also increases. Many households still live on volcanic peaks, on lava remnants from major eruptions in the past.

"Many volcanic regions in the world, including Popo, people will not necessarily believe warnings when you tell them what will happen. They will tell you that we live here. for generations, why now have to move? " , geological graduate student Martin Mangler at the University of London said.

Popocatépetl volcano in Mexico has not really erupted since more than a millennium.Scientists use 3D models to show people the danger if the worst situation occurs.(Photo: Pablo Spencer).

So Mangler and his volcanic research team from London's Museum of Natural History and Mexico City are trying to make a new warning to remind locals about the dangers of volcanoes.

In the latest effort, they modeled the 3D version of the Popocatépetl volcanic replica at a nearby village school and performed for about 120 students. They talked about volcanic hazards, then gave students an empty volcanic model and then instructed how to do the experiment.

3D model of San Vicente volcano in El Salvador.(Photo: Ian Saginor).

"I feel that many students have felt this. The miniature model represents the mountain areas where their families are living, making them aware of the danger of terrain around their homes." , Mangler says this kind of knowledge transfer is necessary to help people prepare what they will do when the risk comes. He has plans to do such research sessions in the future.

The idea of ​​3D modeling simulating a volcano came from geologist Ian Saginor. He thought of this idea a few years ago when he was a professor at Keystone University in Pennsylvania, USA.

"The danger of volcanoes is closely linked to the terrain," Saginor said. Normal maps are represented only by terrain through the paper plane, and they are marked with color to indicate the low elevation of the terrain. This is difficult to imagine.

Students are simulating the flow of lava on Popocatépetl volcanic model with plaster.(Photo: Martin Mangler).

Using 3D models will be more intuitive and help people understand why the area they are in is very dangerous. When looking at the 3D model, people will recognize areas of steep hills at risk of landslides or extremely hot lava flows that will flow into streams like canals.

From this idea, Saginor began to create a model with high-altitude digital data collected by satellites and printed out with a 3D printer. In addition, he also invited his colleagues to bring models when they went to do field work.

One of the first steps to digital modeling.This is the building pattern of the Poas volcano in Costa Rica.(Photo: Ian Saginor).

3D printing models only cost about 5 USD to create. But to reduce costs even further, Saginor came up with the idea: printing hollow models could be used as plaster ingots. As a result, students can bring the models back and show their parents the problem.

Saginor met Mangler and his advisor Dr. Chiara Petrone at a geological conference in Dublin in January, he gave them and other geologists 3D models of Popocatépetl volcano. Saginor hopes geologists will use and test his model.