# Volcanic misinformation and media impact research

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/volcanic-misinformation-and-media-impact-research
> Updated: 2026-08-28T20:24:39.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Research into volcanic misinformation has identified how scientific inaccuracies and media sensationalism can compromise public safety and crisis management. An international study analyzing media coverage from 2017 to 2022 catalogued 18 common misconceptions, ranging from basic errors like misidentifying ash as smoke to exaggerated claims regarding “supervolcanoes” and “mega-tsunamis.”

Findings published in the Journal of Applied Volcanology suggest that these myths can distort risk perception, causing the public to either panic unnecessarily or ignore vital evacuation orders. Volcanologist Rebecca Williams noted that such misconceptions can lead to dangers being “either overestimated or underestimated.” The research cites the 2021 Tajogaite eruption on La Palma as an instance where claims of a flank collapse triggering a mega-tsunami circulated widely, illustrating how dramatized depictions can gain the appearance of fact.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-28: Study warns volcanic myths and media sensationalism hinder crisis management

A study in the Journal of Applied Volcanology warns that sensationalized volcanic myths and media dramatization can cause public panic and complicate crisis management.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/study-warns-volcanic-myths-and-media-sensationalism-hinder-crisis-management

### 2026-08-19: Volcanic misinformation research identifies common myths and risks

A study of 375 media articles reveals 18 common volcanic misconceptions, warning that misinformation about ash, supervolcanoes, and tsunamis can distort risk perception and endanger public safety.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/volcanic-misinformation-research-identifies-common-myths-and-risks

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Cite as: Volcanic misinformation and media impact research. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/volcanic-misinformation-and-media-impact-research