Journey to Etna : civil protection.

This clip builds on the concept of constructing lava barriers which is introduced in the main programme. It's not possible to prevent an eruption from happening, but scientists can predict when one will happen and suggest the best course of action for protecting the local towns from the destruc...

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Bibliographic Details
Corporate Author: Glasshead Productions (Producer)
Format: Video
Language:English
Language Notes:This edition in English.
Published: [London] : Teachers TV/UK Dept. of Education, 2009.
Series:Education in video
How science works ; 3-4
Subjects:
Online Access:Connect to this streaming video (Alexander Street Press)
Description
Summary:This clip builds on the concept of constructing lava barriers which is introduced in the main programme. It's not possible to prevent an eruption from happening, but scientists can predict when one will happen and suggest the best course of action for protecting the local towns from the destructive lava flows. Computer modellers at the Institute of Volcanology in Catania use data collected from the volcano, such as thermal imaging, to predict the path of the lava flows. Civil protection authorities then use this information to construct barriers of old lava to divert the flow of fresh lava away from the towns.
Molten rock below ground is called magma, but when it erupts above ground it's known as lava. When the lava flows cool and solidify they form igneous rock. Depending on the mineral composition of the lava, it will cool and form two distinctive structures, known as aa and pehoehoe. Volcanoes also emit huge amounts of gases when they erupt, such as carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide, and they even emit gold. Major eruptions can significantly alter the earth's atmosphere for years.
Item Description:Title from resource description page (viewed Mar. 5, 2012).
Physical Description:1 online resource (6 min.).
Playing Time:00:03:37