Weighing up risk and finding reward in RiskScape

A free, multi-hazard risk assessment software programme developed in New Zealand can be a powerful tool for assessing volcanic fields around the world.

Created by GNS Science and the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), RiskScape has a modular structure, with separate hazard layers, assets, and loss functions.

Its inherent adaptability ensures that RiskScape can be run anywhere.

In this paper, an outline of the RiskScape framework for all hazards sets the scene, followed by greater details on the five volcanic hazards it can model – tephra deposition, pyroclastic density currents, lava flows, lahars, and edifice construction/excavation.

By utilising a scenario, this paper illustrates the workings of the RiskScape volcanic module and how the programme can be used to compare across natural hazards.

Tags:AssessmenteducationEmergency ManagementfunctionshazardlayerspublicationsRiskRiskScapevolcanic field