Journal article
Getting the story straight: common misconceptions around volcanoes and eruptions with case studies of recent events
Journal of applied volcanology, v 15(1), 12
19 Aug 2026
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Abstract
The ability to rapidly disseminate scientific knowledge across the world has never been greater. This is paralleled by the ability of rumors to spread equally far and fast. Popular misconceptions can take root and, without correction, take on the appearance of facts. Commonly misunderstood topics include those with attention-grabbing phrasing (e.g. “Pacific Ring of Fire”, “supervolcanoes”, or “mega-tsunamis”), the intersection of volcanic research with high-profile science topics (climate or human health), aspirational science goals (eruption forecasts), and basic terminology (volcanic ash versus smoke, or magma “chambers”). In this paper, we describe eighteen misconceptions grouped in six themes (seismology, volcanoes and climate, systems and structures, volcanic hazards, timescales, photographs and footage) commonly encountered by volcanologists who are actively engaging with the public and media both during and between eruptions. Each misconception description is accompanied by takeaway points and summaries of recent research to assist the reader with the information necessary to describe the issues. Finally, we present seven case studies where incorrect information was widely shared and counteracted at well-known volcanoes and recent eruptions at Mount Agung (Bali, Indonesia), Mount Etna (Sicily, Italy), Kīlauea (Hawaii, U.S.A.), Tajogaite (La Palma, Spain), La Soufrière (St. Vincent), Taal Volcano (Philippines), and Yellowstone caldera (U.S.A.). This work is intended to help both volcanologists and non-specialists get the story straight, and to effectively communicate processes and scales of volcanism and volcanic hazards, impacts, and risks.
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Details
- Title
- Getting the story straight: common misconceptions around volcanoes and eruptions with case studies of recent events
- Creators
- Janine B. Krippner (Corresponding Author) - University of WaikatoSam Poppe - Centrum Badań KosmicznychCristian Farías - Universidad Católica de TemucoEdward Venzke - Smithsonian InstitutionMichael P. Poland - United States Geological SurveyBoris Behncke - Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e VulcanologiaSara K. McBride - California Energy CommissionJessica Ball - United States Geological SurveyDiana C. Roman - Carnegie Institution for ScienceHeather K. Handley - Museums VictoriaClaire J. Horwell - Durham UniversityBenjamin Edwards - Dickinson CollegeLoÿc Vanderkluysen - Drexel UniversityCarol Stewart - Massey UniversityEmma J. Nicholson - University of WaikatoAlia Juman - University of the West Indies SystemMa. Mylene Martinez-Villegas - Philippine Medical AssociationBrian Terbush - Washington Military DepartmentErik W. Klemetti - Denison UniversityJazmin P. Scarlett - Environment AgencyRebecca Williams - Loughborough UniversityValerie A. Finlayson - University of Maryland, College ParkKadie L. Bennis - Smithsonian InstitutionSally S. K. Sennert - United States Geological SurveyThomas Pierson - United States Geological SurveyDevy K. Syahbana - Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana GeologiArianna Soldati - North Carolina State University
- Publication Details
- Journal of applied volcanology, v 15(1), 12
- Publisher
- Springer Nature
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Biodiversity, Earth, and Environmental Science (BEES)
- Other Identifier
- 991022202483104721