Volcanic Risk Communication: The Case of the Copahue Volcano

Abstract

Copahue Volcano is located in the central segment of the Southern Volcanic Zone (SVZ), part of a volcano-tectonic complex at the northern end of the Liquiñe-Ofqui Fault Zone. Its summit altitude is 3,001 meters above sea level (masl). It is located in the Ñorquín department, Neuquén province, Argentina, and in the Alto Bío Bío region of Chile.

According to INDEC (National Institute of Statistics and Census), the Ñorquín department's population was 5,609 in 2022, with a population density of 1 inhabitant/km². According to the Urban Plan of the Municipality of Caviahue-Copahue (2017), the local population is approximately 850. This case study will examine volcanic risk communication within the framework of the comprehensive risk management system, its connection to and application of National Law No. 27,287 with various national, provincial, and local stakeholders, and local management in the intercultural municipality of Caviahue-Copahue in the province of Neuquén, Argentina. This volcano is considered the highest risk in Argentina due to the presence of the towns of Caviahue and Copahue, located within an 8-km radius of the volcano's crater. The Copahue Thermal Village and the Caviahue Ski Resort attract a large number of tourists in summer and winter, significantly increasing the permanent population of both towns.

A second interview was conducted with a teacher from the only middle school in the town.