2023 Undergraduate Research Showcase
Document Type
Student Presentation
Presentation Date
4-21-2023
Faculty Sponsor
Dr. Jeffrey B. Johnson
Abstract
In 2022, roughly 9 kilometers from the summit of the volcano at Fuego Observatory in Guatemala, our team deployed two arrays of low frequency microphones (infrasound sensors) to capture the effects of Fuego Volcano’s semi-active period explosions on the observatory building. We hypothesized a discernible differential pressure signal and frequency spectra content between sensors placed inside and outside of the observatory. The peak force exerted on a building by volcano infrasound, depending upon the strength of the explosion and distance from it, may be enough to damage windows or even entire buildings if they are poorly built/kept. This presentation aims to contextualize volcanic explosion emitted infrasound as a potential geophysical hazard capable of harming infrastructure.
Recommended Citation
Walsh, Owen and Johnson, Jeffrey B., "How Volcanic Explosions Interface with Infrastructure: A Brief Analysis of Volcano Infrasound's Influence on Fuego Observatory Near Fuego Volcano, Guatemala" (2023). 2023 Undergraduate Research Showcase. 52.
https://scholarworks.boisestate.edu/under_showcase_2023/52