Page 35 - Volcano and Geothermal Tourism

12 Introduction

routes for field trips into volcanic and geothermal The Internet also provides a vast amount of
environments by authors such as Kilburn and information related to volcanoes, in fact there is so
McGuire (2001), and Thordarsson and Höskuldsson much to choose from that it becomes increasingly
(2002). Most of these cover the basic geology difficult to locate the right information, as not all
necessary to understand and interpret the landforms websites are updated and reliable. The number of
of a chosen area. Depending on the current state of websites featuring organized volcano tours from
activity these books contain warnings and occasionally Alaska to Vanuatu, including most known volcanic
guidelines for personal safety as well as suggestions as regions worldwide is a clear indicator of the
to the right equipment needed depending on growing interest in volcano tourism, especially
altitude, season and climate. In the case of dormant under the guidance of experienced tour operators
environments books describe the geological heritage (Heelan, 2004). Other websites use the Internet
of an area, thereby revealing the episodes of former for promoting destinations like Vanuatu’s island of
volcanic activity (Gannon, 2008). Tanna where volcano tours are described as the
Books and the Internet do offer advice on risk most popular activity (Wantok Environment
prevention, but only to those people who access Centre, 2009). The most valuable information
these sources; the majority of travellers do not comes from sources such as the US Geological
collect books about volcanoes worldwide or Survey in the form of online fact sheets and
search the Internet for safety guidelines, but it is booklets giving an overview of the various
this majority that needs the extra information to volcanic hazards for visitors (US Geological
be on the safe side when travelling in volcanic and Survey, 2000a; Hawai‘i Volcano Observatory,
geothermal areas. 2005), an example for many regions elsewhere to
Volcanic activity is generally covered in the use as a role model.
media when people’s lives are in danger or This type of information is important, because
infrastructure is damaged (Schmincke, 2006), but one of the main aims of this book is to point out
journalists also describe their own experiences on the various risk factors from active volcanoes.
volcanoes, adding information and advice through Currently dormant environments have their own
their articles, which either appear in local or risk, not so much depending on volcanic activity,
regional newspapers or globally online, for but more on the recreational interests of tourists.
example, Carter (2002) reporting about Cotopaxi However, many volcanoes presently dormant are
in Ecuador. Articles in travel journals encourage classed as active with varying degrees of potential
visits to volcanoes and hot springs and magazines for future eruptions. Even in Australia, where
such as National Geographic have repeatedly featured people generally think volcanic activity is not an
volcanic regions (e.g. Holland, 2004; Marshall, issue, at least not on the mainland, scientists are
2008a, 2008b), each time increasing awareness suggesting to be prepared for a reawakening of
about destinations with volcanic activity, like for some former volcanic centres where earthquakes
example, Hawai‘i or Indonesia. But although the have indicated tectonic activity.
dangers inherent to active volcanoes and the
number of fatalities in the past are discussed, more Geophysical background:
emphasis is placed on interesting socio-cultural Volcanic and geothermal
relationships and the religious ceremonies carried
out to appease the temperamental mountains ‘. . . processes
where the slaughtering of goats is still considered The geophysical background to volcanoes will be
a ceremony effective in preventing volcanoes like only briefly mentioned here, because this book is
Merapi from erupting. . .’ (Marshall, 2008a). not about the geology of volcanoes, but about
Offerings are also commonly made by locals and their attraction for tourism. A short overview of
visitors to Hawaiian volcanoes who come to the relevant landforms of volcanic and geothermal
worship and leave a variety of gifts for the goddess environments with examples of destinations where
Pele, from chants and prayers to groceries and fake these can be found is considered as sufficient
money (Holland, 2004). information.

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