Which measure would reduce lava flow impact?

• A. Earth embankments to divert lava
• B. Hazard maps
• C. Seismographs
• D. Ground-swelling detection

Answer: (A)

Diverting lava with earth embankments directly reduces the area reached by molten rock. By placing barriers ahead of the flow path, the lava can be guided away from towns, roads, and essential infrastructure, decreasing the overall impact and damage. Tools like hazard maps, seismographs, or ground-swelling detection are valuable for preparedness and monitoring, helping with evacuation timing and warning, but they don’t change where the lava travels once it begins to move. Embankments are the measure that actively alters the flow’s course, though they come with considerations about scale, durability, and potential new pathways if the lava finds an alternate route.