Ponta delgada, a volcanic city. main natural risks and reasons that dictate the coexistence of populations

Abstract

S. Miguel is constituted by several volcanic structures, considering this island, in spite of its current quiescence, one of the most eruptive poles of the Atlantic. This is the fundamental characteristic from which other hazards, such as CO2 emission from fumaroles, volcanic and tectonic earthquakes as well as mass movements associated with both episodes of intense precipitation and seismic activity, were developed. An exploratory study was developed to evaluate the coexistence of populations with the stated risks. Using a methodology of measurement, the application of a survey to a population sample, it is verified the low perception of the volcanic risk, both by the populations and by the institutions and authorities in the communication of the risk. However, it is noted that the population surveyed seeming to underestimate this threat, as if the memory of previous eruptions constituted only a historical heritage and, at the same time, they have a high/average perception of the other risks associated, namely seismic and hydrological risks (this includes the consequences of intense precipitation, that is, mass movements). Also, it was noted that this survey relies differently on the authorities and institutions responsible for risk communication and risk management.