Pouring concrete into super volcano mouths to prevent eruptions: Feasible solution or crazy idea?

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After witnessing numerous volcanic eruptions causing significant infrastructure and human damage, many social media users on Twitter, Facebook, and Reddit have put forth a peculiar yet bold idea: Pouring concrete to fill the mouth of a volcano to prevent eruption. Of course, this also raises questions about whether it is scientifically feasible.

A volcano is a rupture in the crust of a planetary-mass object, such as Earth, that allows hot lava, volcanic ash, and gases to escape from a magma chamber below the surface. Volcanoes on Earth occur because its crust is broken into 7 major tectonic plates that float on top of the hotter and softer mantle below. Thus, on Earth, volcanoes often occur at the boundaries between tectonic plates, and most are underwater. Volcanoes can also form where tectonic plates stretch and thin, such as in the East African Rift and the Wells Gray-Clearwater volcanic field and Rio Grande rift in North America.

Volcanic eruptions can pose many hazards, not only in the immediate vicinity of the eruption. One threat is volcanic ash, which can harm aircraft, particularly those with jet engines, by melting and fusing onto the surfaces of the engines. Large eruptions can affect temperature as ash and sulfuric acid droplets obscure the sun and cool the troposphere; however, they also absorb heat radiated from the Earth, warming the stratosphere. In the past, volcanic winters have caused widespread famine.

After witnessing numerous volcanic eruptions causing significant infrastructure and human damage, many have proposed the idea of pouring concrete to fill the mouth of a volcano to prevent eruption.

Pouring a large amount of concrete would be necessary to fill the mouth of a volcano filled with magma inside.

Is it possible to use concrete to fill a volcano's mouth?

First and foremost, concrete is a completely unsuitable material to use in the plan of filling a soon-to-erupt volcano's mouth. Concrete has a melting point of about 1,500°C (2,700°F), whereas magma reaches temperatures of 871°C (1,600°F). Theoretically, pouring enough concrete into the vent could seal the volcano, but in reality, it's not a good solution. In other words, this could be considered a terrible idea given how volcanoes function.

Volcanic eruptions occur due to pressure buildup beneath the Earth's surface. When magma is thin and fluid, various gases can escape easily. Meanwhile, magma also flows out of the volcano 'gently'. While magma moving towards densely populated areas is not ideal, at least it moves slowly and is unlikely to kill someone. Explosive volcanic eruptions, on the other hand, pose significant danger.

'If magma is thick and sticky, gas cannot escape easily', the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) explains on its website, citing the example of Mount St. Helens in Washington state, USA.

Pressure inside the volcano builds up until gas escapes violently, causing potentially dangerous and fatal volcanic eruptions. They can spew 'clouds' full of hot volcanic debris from the side or top of the volcano, the USGS adds. These fiery clouds rush down the volcano's slopes and destroy almost everything in their path. This means that pouring concrete to fill a volcano's mouth is no different from 'adding fuel to the fire', which increases the devastation of volcanic eruptions.

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Concrete, when poured to block a volcano's eruption vent, strips away its natural gas release ability, leading to increased pressure. Consequently, a volcano that was erupting 'slowly' and somewhat peacefully suddenly becomes explosively active due to the sealed vents. Mountains like St. Helens would erupt with tremendous force, turning the added concrete into a health hazard as it easily disperses around.

The dust produced from concrete poses risks of lung diseases and cancer if inhaled, according to the YouTube channel What If. However, this doesn't mean concrete serves no purpose in volcanic eruptions. For instance, a more effective use of concrete was seen in an eruption of Mount Etna – one of Italy's three largest volcanoes – where it redirected lava away from populated areas using concrete blocks.

While we're not certain whether these concrete blocks would hold up against a larger eruption, at least you can rest assured knowing you haven't significantly worsened the situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main reasons against using concrete to fill a volcano's mouth?

Using concrete to fill a volcano's mouth is not advisable because concrete has a melting point of about 1,500°C, while magma reaches temperatures around 871°C. Pouring concrete could seal the vents, trapping gas and increasing pressure, leading to explosive eruptions instead of preventing them. This action would effectively exacerbate the situation, turning a potentially manageable eruption into a catastrophic event.

How do volcanic eruptions affect the surrounding environment and infrastructure?

Volcanic eruptions can significantly impact the environment and infrastructure by releasing ash that can harm aircraft and disrupt air travel. Large eruptions may cool the Earth's troposphere, leading to volcanic winters that can cause widespread famine. Additionally, the pyroclastic flows and hot debris can destroy buildings and landscapes, creating long-lasting damage to communities near the eruption site.

What happens when concrete is poured into a volcano's eruption vent?

When concrete is poured into a volcano's eruption vent, it can block the natural gas release process. This blockage increases pressure within the volcano, potentially transforming a slow, manageable eruption into a violent one. The resulting explosive eruption can disperse concrete dust, posing serious health risks, including lung diseases and cancer, to individuals exposed to the fallout.

Are there any beneficial uses of concrete during volcanic eruptions?

Yes, concrete can be used beneficially during volcanic eruptions. An example is the eruption of Mount Etna, where concrete blocks were utilized to redirect lava flows away from populated areas. This strategic application can help protect communities from potential lava damage, demonstrating that while concrete should not block vents, it can play a role in managing lava movement.

Why is the concept of filling a volcano with concrete considered a terrible idea?

Filling a volcano with concrete is considered a terrible idea because it undermines the natural mechanisms of gas release, leading to increased internal pressure. This can trigger explosive eruptions instead of preventing them. The process essentially adds fuel to the fire, transforming a potentially manageable volcanic activity into a catastrophic event that can cause widespread destruction.

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