Prediction in Volcanic Science

Environmental & Science Education, STEM, Geosciences, Earth & Space Sciences, Earth Systems, Models

--"Can we predict volcanic eruptions?" was the question asked by Oregon Public Broadcasting (9m 58s) of scientists studying the most active volcano in the Pacific NW, the Axial Seamount.

It was featured on Science Friday March 23, 2023. I found it by an accidental click. At the time I thought it would be easy to find again. What an elusive link it turned out to be. Thought I'd lost it. 

The video is introduced in a smashing fashion, beginning with an Oregon Coast Sea Shanty about  such a hoped for and studied prediction--one both scientists and those living near volcanoes would like to be able to do. Prediction is a very high value of scientists and in this case it is wanted by people who live within range of volcanic eruptions.

The shanty is an adaptation of the Wellerman sea shanty about a whaling expedition. First verse: There once was a ship that put to sea / The name of the ship was the Billy O' Tea. The winds blew up, her bow dipped down / Oh blow, my bully boys, blow (huh).

There are many versions, including symphonic, a fantastic 6500 member chorus on ZOOM, an impressive undertaking. These are worth searching for on YouTube. I use Wellerman as the search word. 

 

The shanty first appeared in New Zealand ca.1860 and the Wellerman is a reference to the Weller Brothers, ship suppliers. Here is one with the lyrics superimposed on the screen. You will notice that what was hoped for was simple: sugar, tea and rum, staples of sea life in another time.