Abstract

Volcanic debris avalanches are extremely destructive phenomena, with the potential to travel many kilometers from their source region, either as rockslides or as mass flows. Given that they may even be triggered at inactive volcanoes, their hazard is often underestimated. Understanding the dynamics of such mass movements is essential for evaluating and mitigating hazards. A number of case studies have been carried out around the world, but there is still a need for further studies of flow-dominated avalanches, which remain poorly constrained. These studies would have high educational value, providing striking examples to teach decision makers and at-risk populations about the hazard.