The eruption will not be broadcasted: characteristics, impacts and assistance during the 2018-2019 Peteroa volcano eruptive cycle, Argentina

Abstract

Peteroa volcano is located in the south of Mendoza province, on the Argentine-Chilean border, and is one of the most active volcanic systems in the Southern Andes. Despite its recurrent eruptive activity, there is little documentation on the consequences of these events on the people and the environment. A new eruptive cycle, which began in October 2018 and lasted approximately 6 months, offered a renewed opportunity to investigate this postponed topic. By developing a mixed methodological strategy, which combines tools from social sciences (i.e. in-person interviews and questionnaires) and natural sciences (i.e. leachate and water analysis, meteorological data, field observations and satellite images), we characterize the eruptive cycle and evaluate the impact of ash fallout on the environment, the communities that live in the vicinity of the volcano as well as in their activities. In addition, we analyse the management of the volcanic crisis by recovering the testimony of those affected. Our findings show that, despite the low thickness of ash deposits and the low to moderate impacts identified, there were shortcomings during the crisis management, especially related to communication, information management and assistance. Consequently, we carry out a qualitative analysis to project and discuss potential scenarios and provide a series of recommendations that, hopefully, will help guide future studies and volcanic risk management strategies.