Maths News: Volcano Survivor 2

Kilauea erupts in Hawaii MAY 2018.

The amazing maths of volcano eruptions.

Once lava flows are established new RIVERLETS can run on top of the original lava flow at great speed.

The fastest Lava flows recorded were in Hawaii in 1950 when Mauna Loa erupted. The lava traveled at 6 miles (10 kilometers) per hour through thick forest. But once the lava flows became established and good channels developed, the lava in the channels was flowing at up to 60 miles/hour (97 kph)

Can you out run a lava flow?

You are 2 km from the volcano rim and start running.

V_L =   97 kph = 1.6 km per minute (k/min)

     =   60 mph

V_H = 18 kph = 0.3 km/min

   = 11.2 mph (miles per hr )

GRAPH:

How long will it take for the lava to catch you?

 

SIMULTANEOUS EQNS:

How long will it take for the lava to catch you?