Eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991 Doroteja Brozan 1st year of Master Course Physical Geography and Geoecology Geography and Geoecology

Introduction - Phillipines 7th most populated country in Asia, 12th in the world 343 pop./km 2, 100 mil. high risk of natural disasters 2 Source: _population_density.png

Mount Pinatubo 3 Source: Pinatubo_map-1.gif

Mount Pinatubo (before the eruption) type: active stratovolcano elevation: m home to more than people (1 million in wider area) last known eruption was years ago 4 Source:

5 June 1990 – magnitude 7.8 earthquake 100 km NE of Pinatubo March 1991 – small earthquakes April – eruptions of steam May – first eruption of magma 12th of June – violent eruption and earthquakes 15th of June – the biggest/main eruption

Exploration and evacuation Was the occurence normal or not? recognition of danger by scientists from PHIVOLCS and USGS installation of radio-telemeters, seismographs and tiltmeters  higher SO 2 emissions 3 evacuation zones: 0-10 km, km, km (total: people) 6

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The eruption on June 16th, 1991 within 2 hours, gases and ashes reached altitude of 34 km and width over 400 km typhoon Yunya  lahars summit of the vulcano became caldera with a crater lake 8 Source: tion.inquirer.ne t/files/2012/07 /pinatubo- exhibit- photo.jpg Source: noaa.gov/hazard/i cons/med_res/34/ 34_694.jpg

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Consequences - social > 700 deaths > people homeless Ayta/Aeta indigenous people lost their homes farming was no longer the main source of income not everyone wanted to resettle 10 Source: ak0.pinimg.com/736x/25/cd/c7/25cdc b3c91df2a943a64ef36.jpg

Consequences – economic/materialistic two heavily damaged U.S. Military bases total damage of around $US 374 million economic development of the Phillipines was slowed down 11 Source: landscape_804/image.jpg

Consequences - environmental 20 million tons of SO 2 injected  global temperature dropped for about °C largest disturbance of the stratosphere since 1883 lahars caused erosion of rivers acid rain 12 Source:

What was positive in the reactions? first scientifically in detail studied volcano eruption with accurate forecasts communication between scientists, military and civils timely predictions saved many lives 13

Lessons learned SO2 monitoring should be included in every volcano research planning for worst-case scenarios needs to consider combinations of events manuals instructing local leaders and civilians better warning system needed  two-way radio Pinatubo is not expected to erupt again for hundreds of years 15

Thank you for your attention! 15