Volcanic Eruption Index Calculator
Volcanic Eruption Index
Estimate the Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) and eruption characteristics from ejected volume, plume height, and eruption duration.
Formula
VEI = log10(Ejecta Volume in m3) - 6 (approximately); Energy = Volume x Density x g x Plume Height; Discharge Rate = Volume / Duration
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Volcanic Explosivity Index?
The VEI is a scale from 0 to 8 that measures the explosiveness of volcanic eruptions based primarily on the volume of ejected material. Each level represents a tenfold increase in ejecta volume.
What was the largest volcanic eruption in history?
The largest known eruption was the Toba supervolcano about 75,000 years ago (VEI 8, ~2,800 km3). In recorded history, the 1815 eruption of Mount Tambora (VEI 7) was the largest, causing the Year Without a Summer.
How often do large eruptions occur?
VEI 2-3 eruptions happen weekly to monthly worldwide. VEI 5 eruptions occur roughly once per decade. VEI 7 eruptions happen every few centuries, and VEI 8 supervolcano events occur every 50,000 to 100,000 years.
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