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Seismic
and Volcanic Risks
The primary
role of the "Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris" (IPGP,
Paris Institute of Physics of the Globe) is the observation and
study of natural phenomena, research, and teaching. It ensures the
continuous observation of various natural phenomena. Its observations
may contribute to the prevention and mitigation of seismic and volcanic
risks.
IPGP has three volcano observatories in French overseas departments,
for which there are agreements with regional authorities (Conseils
Généraux) and INSU: Pelée Mountain (Martinique),
Soufrière (Guadeloupe), Piton de la Fournaise (Reunion Island).
It also hasa regional seismic network in the Lesser Antilles, as
well as two observatories, run as part of cooperation programs and
located in Djibouti and in the Comoro Islands (Karthala).
These volcano monitoring networks make it possible to communicate
information concerning the early warning signs of volcanic activity
to civilian authorities, within a time frame ranging from a few
days to a few hours from observable reactivation of the volcano.
Thanks to this network, an increase in the gas and smoke emanating
from Soufrière and the appearance of a significant acid phase
have been observed since early 1998. Since the observatory was set
up in 1980, thirty eruptions have also been detected at Piton de
la Fournaise, all of which were preceded by early warnings and warnings
reported to civilian security officials.
Although it was unable to predict earthquakes, the regional seismic
network in the Lesser Antilles was able to provide local authorities
and the media with information about those that were experienced.
All of these data have allowed and continue to allow civilian authorities
to take the necessary security measures. Although the authorities
trust the judgment of scientific experts, often they hide behind
the scientists' analysis. The researcher is then in a difficult
position, as his or her role takes on a political aspect, the limits
of which are not always clearly defined.
In addition, in-depth geological studies of volcanoes allow us to
reconstruct the eruption background of each volcano and to establish
scenarios regarding future eruptions, leading to the development
of hazard maps, which are indispensable for specialized emergency
plans.
In the last few years, Jean-Louis Cheminée's research
has concentrated on intraplate volcanism: structure, geochemistry,
and operations of volcanic devices set up in hot spots (Teahitia,
hot spot of the Society Islands, South Pacific, MacDonald, hot spot
of the Southern Islands, Piton de la Fournaise, hot spot of Reunion
Island).
In the area of volcano monitoring, Jean-Louis Cheminée is
also the coordinator of the EMEWS Project (European Mobile Early
Warning System), of which the IPGP is the leader. This project brings
together most of the centers in charge of monitoring volcanoes in
Europe and aims to define a European standard for mobile volcanic
early warning systems: development of easily-installed, reliable
equipment, integration and adaptation of software to facilitate
the management of volcanic crises, development of a data base relating
to the parameters recorded during previous crises for comparison
with the current crisis (concept of "twin volcanoes").
Most
recent publications:
ALBAREDE F., LUAIS B., SEMET M., KAMINSKI E., UPTON B.C.J, BACHELERY
P. et CHEMINEE J.-L. (1997). The geochimical regimes of Piton de
la Fournaise volcano (Réunion) during the last 530.000 years.
Journal of Petrology, 38 : 171-201
BARRAT J.-A., FOURCADE S., JAHN B.-M., CHEMINEE J.-L. et CAPDEVILLA
R. (1998). Isotope (Sr, Nd, Pb, O) and trace-element geochemistry
of volcanics from the Erta'Ale range (Ethiopia). JVGR, 80: 85-100
HEINRICH Ph., MANGENEY A., GUIBOURG S., ROCHE R., BOUDON G. et CHEMINEE
J.-L. et CAPDEVILLA R. (1998). Simulation of Water waves generated
by a potential debris avalanche in Montserrat, Lesser Antilles.
GRL, 25 : 3697-3700.
Jean-Louis
CHEMINEE
CNRS Research Director
Geomagnetism, Paleomagnetism, Geodynamics
(CNRS - "Institut de physique du globe de Paris, "
Paris Institute of Physics of the Globe - Université Paris
7)
Tel: 01 44 27 34 67
E-mail: cheminee@ipgp.jussieu.fr
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