BayCEER Workshop 2016

Quaternary volcanism in the Eifel – potential causes and risks

P 6.11 in Paving the way for research: Databases, instruments, networks
& Open Session

The aim of this paper is the presentation and analysis of the risk potential belonging to the volcanism in the Eifel, western Germany, as well as the description of possible causes of the existence of both quaternary volcanic fields. As a foundation for this basic information about the characteristic volcanism, the chronological distribution of eruptions and its episodic nature, the discussion on the activity, etc. will be presented. Thereupon the two main theories for the source of the volcanism are explained, on the one hand side the theory of a mantle plume and on the other hand volcanism caused by passive upwelling. The paper concludes with a review of the risk potential in the Eifel, using the formula of J. P. Lockwood and R. W. Hazlett (Volcanic risk = Hazard × Value × (Vulnerability – Risk mitigation efforts)), the results of the communication with government authorities are shown and a personal estimation of the threat of volcanic activity is given.

 

 

Keywords: Eifel Volcanic risk Quaternary volcanism