Volcanoes pose potential hazards to the surrounding populations.
There have been several eruptions in geologic history, but periods of eruption are separated by long periods of dormancy. Relatively recent volcanic eruptions and lahars have caused a great deal of damage and loss of life around the world. The USGS has published a hazard map estimating the locations that would potentially suffer the worst damage from an eruption. Geologists are placing sensors around volcanoes to give some warning to surrounding population, and some governments are paying more attention to the hazards. The people involved in producing this episode of Oregon Field Guide.