Thoughts and observations on volcanic activity and human ecology. (11th February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sheets, Payson
• Is Part Of: Quaternary international. Volume 394(2016)
• Page Start: 152
• Page End: 154
• Publication Date: 2016-02-11
• Subjects: Geology, Stratigraphic -- Quaternary -- Periodicals; Stratigraphie -- Quaternaire -- Périodiques; 551.79
• DOI: 10.1016/j.quaint.2015.08.070
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1040-6182

Abstract

Abstract: Impressive progress has been made in understanding the complex interrelationships between human societies and volcanic activity since the publication of the book Volcanic Activity and Human Ecology in 1979. That progress was achieved by advances in methods, techniques, instrumentation, theory, and in greater integration of scholars in the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities in research programs. Precision in dating has improved, but it often remains challenging to go beyond discovering close correlations of volcanic and cultural phenomena into documenting causal relationships. Using historical data can compellingly resolve this problem, as exemplified by two articles in this issue. Technological sophistication not even dreamed of 38 years ago, when the book was written, can chemically characterize cryptotephra of infinitesimal size in ice cores, with sulfur, and date them precisely. The big eruptions of the past few millennia caused cold and drought, often resulting in starvation, disease, and failure of confidence in religious and political systems. Cultural and social theory provide rich grounding for exploring people's sense of place, homeland, and desire to return after having to seek refuge at a distance. Volcanic stresses can have creative aspects, as societies embed knowledge of the hazards into oral history and cosmology from their experiences, and thus are more prepared when the hazard turns into a disaster.