Pouring concrete into a volcano’s vent could obstruct natural gas escape and increase pressure, potentially leading to an explosive eruption.
Concrete has a melting temperature of about 1,500 degrees Celsius, while lava reaches temperatures around 870 degrees Celsius. Theoretically, if enough concrete is poured into the vent, it could seal the volcano. However, this does not mean it is a good solution, IFL Science reported on November 23. In fact, this might be a terrible idea considering how volcanoes operate.
Lava flowing from the Cumbre Vieja volcano on La Palma, Spain. (Photo: Marcos del Mazo).
Eruptions occur when pressure builds up beneath the Earth’s surface. When magma is thin and liquid, gases can escape easily, and magma will typically flow out of a volcano gently. While the flow of magma toward populated areas is not ideal, at least it moves slowly.
On the other hand, explosive volcanic eruptions pose a much greater danger. If the magma is thick and viscous, gases cannot escape easily. Pressure builds up until gases escape violently, resulting in an explosion, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Explosive volcanic eruptions can be dangerous and deadly. Volcanoes can spew hot volcanic debris from their flanks or summits. This material cascades down the slopes, destroying nearly everything in its path. Pouring concrete into a volcano’s vent could lead to this kind of disaster.
If a large amount of concrete is used to seal the vent, this action would also obstruct a natural gas release method and reduce the pressure of the volcano, potentially turning slow lava flow into an explosive eruption or causing a volcano that might have erupted to do so with even greater pressure.
Volcanoes like St. Helens erupted with tremendous pressure, making the added concrete a health hazard as it could easily disperse around the area. Dust from concrete can lead to respiratory diseases and even cancer.
Experts have previously used concrete more effectively during an eruption of Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy. They redirected the flow of lava away from populated areas using concrete blocks. However, the USGS is unsure if these blocks would be effective in the case of a larger explosion.
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