Q-LavHA (Quantum-Lava Hazard Assessment) is a QGIS (Quantum Geographic Information System) freeware plugin which simulates ʻaʻā lava flow invasion probability from one or regularly distributed eruptive vents on a Digital Elevation Model. It combines existing probabilistic and deterministic models (Felpeto et al., 2001; Harris and Rowland, 2001) and proposes some improvements to calculate the probability of lava flow spatial propagation and terminal length. The spatial spread is constrained by the probabilistic steepest slope following the approach of Felpeto et al. (2001). Corrective factors are included to allow the lava flow simulation to overcome small topographical obstacles and fill pits. The terminal length of the lava flow simulation can be determined based on a fixed length value, a statistical length probability function or based on the thermo-rheological properties of an open-channel lava flow following the approach of the FLOWGO model (Harris and Rowland 2001).
Q-LavHA is designed for scientists and stakeholders confronted with imminent or long-term lava flow hazard from basaltic volcanoes. Q-LavHA can improve their understanding of the spatial distribution of lava flow hazard, influence their land use decisions and support evacuation planning during a volcanic crisis.
Because of the diversity of its uses, Q-LavHA has been developed in Python in order to allow users to adapt the code to their needs. Its availability as a Quantum GIS plugin with a user-friendly interface facilitates its distribution and its use by the community.
If you want to know more about Q-LavHA, you are kindly invited to read the manual
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