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Mayhem, magic and dangerous myths? Volcanoes on the big screen
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DOI：10.1007/s00445-026-02011-6.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
We examine the extent to which movies that prominently feature volcanoes and volcanic eruptions reflect the reality of eruptions and eruptive crises. To do this, we develop an interdisciplinary methodology that draws on frameworks and earlier findings from disaster risk science, cultural theories of risk, film studies, volcanology and science communication. Variation in volcanic behaviours and their timescales are important during volcanic crises, so we compare the narrative arc (progression of the eruptive storyline in fictionalised accounts) with real eruptive arcs. We also examine the occurrences of common misconceptions about volcanoes, and volcanic eruptions, and misleading ideas about volcanologists and disaster risk (‘disaster tropes’) in volcano movies. Where eruptions are central to a film, eruptive timelines are more compressed relative to reality, typically with rapid accelerations to a single paroxysm, and the almost ubiquitous presence of physically unrealistic lava flows, regardless of eruption type. In these films, scientific response to volcanic activity can demonstrate unrealistic ideas about technical interventions enabling prediction, draw on cliched representations of scientists, and rarely feature (or misrepresent typical behaviours of) wider populations at risk. Nonetheless, some aspects of eruptive crises are well captured, particularly unrest, uncertainty and the tensions it creates. We conclude by suggesting how more realistic eruptive timelines and the inclusion of realistic scenarios could still be compatible with engaging storytelling, particularly with new developments in the modes of ‘movie’ storytelling. Finally, we consider the lessons volcanologists can learn from compelling storytelling, and the role that volcanologists could play in sharing these compelling stories.
Keywords:
Volcano movies
Storytelling
Eruptive arcs
Narratives
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