Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 3 hrs ago
Study highlights common misconceptions about volcanoes and eruptions
An international team of volcanologists identified 18 common misconceptions about volcanoes and eruptions in a study published in the Journal of Applied Volcanology.
The work involved Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology and researcher Boris Behncke of its Etna Observatory.
It covers six topics, including earthquakes, climate, eruption hazards and how eruptions can be forecast.
The authors also examine seven case studies, including Etna in Italy, Kīlauea in Hawaii and Yellowstone in the United States.
They say false claims can spread during volcanic activity, including misleading predictions about Etna and dramatic but unlikely warnings about a Yellowstone eruption.
The study also points to incorrect historical claims, such as the claim that thousands died in Etna’s 1669 eruption; it says nobody died.
The authors hope the work will help scientists, journalists, decision-makers and the public explain volcanic risks more accurately when volcanoes are active or quiet.
An international team of volcanologists identified 18 common misconceptions about volcanoes and eruptions.
The study, published in the Journal of Applied Volcanology, was conducted in collaboration with Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology.
It groups the misconceptions into six themes, including volcanic hazards, climate, timing and imagery.
The article includes seven case studies of misinformation about well-known volcanoes and recent eruptions.
Researcher Boris Behncke said the work is intended to help scientists, journalists, decision-makers and the public explain volcanic activity accurately.
- Who
- An international team of volcanologists conducted the study, with participation from INGV researcher Boris Behncke.
- What
- The study examines 18 common misconceptions about volcanoes and eruptions and presents seven case studies.
- When
- Published on October 15, 2026. The sources do not state when the study was conducted.
- Where
- The study was published in the Journal of Applied Volcanology. Its case studies cover volcanoes in several countries.
- Why
- The authors observed misleading information while working during and between volcanic crises and responding to media inquiries.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Etna eruption caused no deaths, contrary to a claim the article says is still repeated.
Images of Etna eruptions were presented on social media as images of Anak Krakatau, Behncke said.
Made in Pompei reported on the study published in the Journal of Applied Volcanology.
- Misconceptions examined
- 18
- Case studies
- 7
- Research collaboration
- Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV)
- Study themes
- 6
- Journal
- Journal of Applied Volcanology
3 sources
What people are saying
The research represents a resource developed to help volcanologists, journalists, decision-makers and the public navigate correctly when a volcano erupts, or even when it does not.
For each misconception, the article presents key points and summaries of recent research, providing readers with the information needed to address and explain these topics correctly.