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.