Open AccessComputing for Numeracy: Kiyoo Mogi and the Nature of Volcanoes
Author(s) -
Charles B. Connor
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
numeracy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1936-4660
DOI - 10.5038/1936-4660.15.1.1400
Subject(s) - volcano , numeracy , geology , vulcanian eruption , column (typography) , seismology , computer science , psychology , telecommunications , literacy , pedagogy , frame (networking)
Dramatic volcanic eruptions occurred in the Spring of 2021 in Iceland and St. Vincent. This column explores the use of a numerical model to understand the giant displacements of the Earth's surface that result from such volcanic activity. The model used was development by Japanese geophysicist Kiyoo Mogi to explain a much older eruption, the 1914 eruption of Sakurajima volcano, located in Kyushu, Japan. Mogi's model was so successful, and is still widely used today, because he took a step-by-step approach to solving this complicated problem, making simplifying assumptions where he could, and using data to the maximum extent possible to estimate a reasonable solution.