Determining the Volume of a Volcano

by Nicole Seiden

Submitted : Spring 2017

Disk integration is used to add the total sum of an infinite amount of disk volumes to find the area of a 3-demensional space. The dimensions from Mount Vesuvius were used with an indefinite integral and disk integration to calculation the volume of magma this volcano is capable of holding above the earth’s surface. The experiment shows the minimum capacity capable of being held at any given point, and can be used to help geologist predict the pyroclastic flow should Mount Vesuvius erupt in the future. This project describes the basic methods used to calculate the volume of Mount Vesuvius’ throat, and can be utilized by city planners and developers as well as emergency and natural hazard teams.

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