Visualizations

Exploring global volcanism with data science and networks.

Global Volcanism

These visualizations explore global volcanic patterns. By analyzing shared geological traits, we can identify how different systems relate to each other worldwide.

This project aggregates data from the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program (GVP), tracking over 1,400 Holocene volcanoes across 10,000 years of recorded history.

1,413 Volcanoes
~10k Eruptions
10k y History
GVP Source

Structured Data Signature

volcano_node.json 
{
  "id": 262000,
  "name": "Krakatau",
  "tectonic": "Subduction Zone",
  "rock": "Andesite",
  "eruptions": 142,
  "activity": "High"
}

The Pipeline: Raw geological logs are parsed and processed for analysis. This transforms centuries of history into structured data for mapping and modeling.

Eruption Timeline

Eruption History

2025 CE

Temporary Activity

This timeline tracks the eruption history of over 800 volcanoes. Sliding through the years reveals the temporal shifts in global volcanic activity.

Intensity Mapping

Volcanoes highlight in bright coral when they erupt in a chosen year. Size indicates multiple events or relative intensity within that window.

Volcanic Clustering

Grouping by Properties

Chemical Clusters

In the "Abstract Cluster" view, we ignore geography. Instead, we group volcanoes by their physical properties like rock type, tectonic setting, and elevation.

Volcanoes clustered closely together share a similar physical structure, regardless of their actual distance from one another. This illustrates how identical planetary mechanisms operate globally.

Geographic Distribution

Switch to "Globe View" to snap these points back to reality. This visualizes the tension between Math and Nature. Notice how a tight cluster in the Abstract view might scatter across the entire Ring of Fire? That proves that the same geological engine can drive volcanic systems thousands of miles apart.

Global Network

Connected Properties

Connections: Shared Traits

The "Topology" view clusters volcanoes by what they have in common, rather than where they are located.

Connections show shared traits:

  • Rock Type: Similar volcanic material.
  • Tectonic Setting: Same type of plate boundary.
  • Activity: Similar eruption frequency and shape.
Colors show the type of connection: Coral (Rock + Tectonics), Gold (Rock + Activity), Teal (Tectonics + Activity).

Map View: Global Connections

The "Geospatial" view pulls these connected volcanoes back to their real-world map positions.

This highlights how volcanoes on opposite sides of the world can still be closely related. Nodes are sized by their Activity Level, showing which volcanoes are the most active.

Quick Glossary

Key terms from the visualizations, explained simply.

Morphology

Stratovolcano

Steep, conical volcano built by layers of viscous lava and ash. Explosive.

Image Source

Shield

Broad, domed volcano with gentle slopes, formed by fluid basaltic lava.

Image Source

Caldera

Large depression formed by the collapse of a volcano after eruption.

Image Source

Complex

A volcano with multiple landforms or vents, often changing type over time.

Image Source

Lava Dome

Mound formed by viscous lava piling up over a vent.

Image Source

Cluster

A field of many small, separate vents rather than a single central cone.

Image Source

Minor / Cone

Small, short-lived volcanic landforms like cinder cones or maars.

Image Source

Fissure Vent

Linear vent through which lava erupts, often without explosive activity.

Image Source

Submarine

Volcano located entirely beneath the ocean surface.

Image Source

Tectonic Setting

Subduction Zone

One plate diving under another. Creates explosive arcs (e.g., Ring of Fire).

Image Source

Mid-Ocean Ridge

Underwater mountain system where plates spread apart and new crust forms.

Image Source

Rift Zone

Linear zone where the crust is being pulled apart (continental or oceanic).

Image Source

Intraplate

Volcanism occurring in the middle of a plate, often due to a hotspot.

Image Source

Dominant Rock Type

Basalt

Dark, low-silica, fluid lava. Common in Shield volcanoes.

Image Source

Andesite

Intermediate silica. Common in Subduction Zone stratovolcanoes.

Image Source

Rhyolite

High-silica, viscous lava. Associated with explosive eruptions.

Image Source

Dacite

Between Andesite and Rhyolite. Viscous and often explosive.

Image Source

Trachyte

Alkaline, silica-rich volcanic rock. Light-colored.

Image Source

Phonolite

Alkaline volcanic rock, often associated with intraplate volcanism.

Image Source

Foidite

Rare, silica-poor volcanic rock containing feldspathoids.

Image Source

Images via Wikimedia Commons.