Research progress!

This is a very brief post to highlight a short summary report I wrote on a piece of my work. The project is titled, "Investigating spatial distribution and impacts of airfall deposits from the October 1974 eruptive episode of Volcán de Fuego, Guatemala", and uses a mix of stratigraphic and participatory mapping, qualitative interviews, and … Continue reading Research progress!

Legacy and legend, and a volcanic prawn

"There were two desperate times. Two strong eruptions ... the first was the one that most scared us. Because we had not seen this type of eruption. Only ... we were already used to it. I believe the volcano was already erupting since when I was born. But it only bathed itself in fire, just … Continue reading Legacy and legend, and a volcanic prawn

I’m oven it like that

I can't remember who first proposed we should see the ovens above Panimaché Dos. Perhaps it was my friend Arelis, before she left with Beth to speak to Doña Elena. I had chosen to stay behind, to talk with Arelis's mother, Marta, about her memories of Fuego's 1974 eruption. My ears pricked up in interest. … Continue reading I’m oven it like that

Just look at that volcano

At dawn the ants riseMarch to probe the dragon's backIt exhales fire, piqued We made the cover of VOLCANICA! Find the current issue, brimming with astonishing science, here (Vol. 3, No. 2). Our article, Fireside Tales, tells tales of past eruptions and evacuations at Fuego through interviews with local people. The cover photo was taken … Continue reading Just look at that volcano

Fireside Tales

View of Volcán de Fuego from the terraces of Volcán Acatenango, Feb 2017

This blog post is a condensed version of a research article published on 7th October in VOLCANICA. You can find the full article here. It's fully open-access and free to download. Volcanoes present one of nature’s most spectacular sights and, while most of us would be hugely impressed by the breathtaking spectacle of the flames, … Continue reading Fireside Tales

First impressions

It’s been a busy week! I am writing from my bunkbed in Fuego’s observatory, OVFGO1, in the village of Panimaché Uno (here). I am taking today (Friday 22nd February) off after conducting interviews between Monday and Thursday in the villages of Panimaché Uno, Panimaché Dos, Los Yucales, and Morelia. I am tired, but really stoked … Continue reading First impressions