Re-assessing volcanic hazard maps for improving volcanic risk communication: application to Stromboli Island, Italy.

Abstract

Hazard and risk maps are tools for both mitigating against risk and informing and preparing the general public. Recent studies have highlighted that volcanic hazard and risk maps used during emergencies can be difficult to interpret. Our research focuses on evaluating and improving the efficacy of currently available maps of Stromboli volcano on Stromboli island (Italy) for the communication of volcanic hazard and risk information. Stromboli is an active volcano characterised by persistent explosive activity, sporadic lava effusions and landslides on the volcanos northwestern flank, which sometimes generates tsunamis, most recently in 2002. This study used semi-structured interviews conducted with local legislators, administrators and ‘enforcers’ to understand their perceptions of available risk information; to evaluate the respondents mental spatial maps; and to determine the most important components in encouraging risk-reducing behaviour in a hazardous situation. Respondents were asked to evaluate a contour map, an aerial photograph, a digital elevation model (DEM) and an innovative 3D tsunami risk map. These results enabled the development of different volcanic risk maps for use by ‘experts’ and ‘tourists’ using a contour map and a DEM (Scale 1:12.500). A 3D map focused on the tsunami risk (Scale 1:6.500) area was also produced.