An interactive travelling educational path on earthquakes and volcanoes

Abstract

A mobile earthquake interactive path is an action of disaster-risk reduction given by long-term activities based on an educational information system. The idea is to provide a realistic space and to design in it an interactive path, aimed at both children and adults, explaining. issues related to seismic hazard especially in urban sectors close to volcanic areas, such as Mt. Etna, Vesuvius and Campi Flegrei (Italy) and Azores Islands (Portugal). The educational path would ideally include a wall with basic information on natural hazards related to seismic and volcanic events, with hands on and interactive exhibits, a special "edutainment" corner focused on children, and a central platform for people who will experience the simulation of an earthquake, while being instructed on how to respond to the event. This educational information system represents a way of putting the results of the project UPStrat-MAFA (Urban disaster Prevention Strategies using MAcroseismic Fields and FAult Sources ) to the service of the entire community in order to strengthen people's awareness and preparedness related to seismic and volcanic hazards. The fundamental aspect of the risk level for people living near a volcano is also included in the educational experience.