Getting the story straight: common misconceptions around volcanoes and eruptions with case studies of recent events
Year: 2026
Type: article
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.
Source: Journal of Applied Volcanology
Authors: Janine B. Krippner, Sam Poppe, Cristian Farías, Edward Venzke, Michael P. Poland, Boris Behncke, Sara K. McBride, Jessica Ball, Diana C. Roman, Heather K. Handley, Claire J. Horwell, Benjamin Edwards, Loÿc Vanderkluysen, Carol Stewart, Emma J. Nicholson, Alia Juman, Ma. Mylene Martinez-Villegas, Brian Terbush, Erik W. Klemetti, Jazmin P. Scarlett, Rebecca Williams, Valerie A. Finlayson, Kadie L. Bennis, Sally S. K. Sennert, Thomas Pierson, Devy K. Syahbana, Arianna Soldati
Institutions: University of Waikato, Centrum Badań Kosmicznych, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Smithsonian Institution, United States Geological Survey, Cascades Volcano Observatory, Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, INGV Osservatorio Etneo, Carnegie Institution for Science, Earth and Planets Laboratory, Museums Victoria, Monash University, Durham University, Dickinson College, Drexel University, Massey University, University of the West Indies, Department of Science and Technology, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Washington Military Department, Denison University, Environment Agency, Loughborough University, University of Hull, University of Maryland, College Park, Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi, Badan Geologi, North Carolina State University
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,990
OpenAlex ID: W7203679773