Slide set compiled by Pete Mouginis-Mark, University of Hawaii
INTRODUCTION
Analysis of the topography of a volcano is of great importance for many process-related studies
such as the analysis of lava flow emplacement, the determination of crater and cone volumes, and
the assessment of the degree of erosion of the surface. In addition, digital elevation models
(DEMs) are of great value for hazard assessment. If the magnitude and orientation of the maximum
local slope is known, then the flow path of a lava flow, mud flow, or pyroclastic flow can be
predicted from theoretical models. This information has many practical applications on volcanoes
such as Mt. Unzen (Japan), Kilauea (Hawaii), Mt. Etna (Sicily), and Santa Maria (Guatemala), where
frequent eruptions represent real hazards to tens of thousands of people who live on the flanks of
the volcano.