Analyzing human behavioral responses captured on video: From the M7.1 Anchorage Earthquake in 2018 to Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai eruption, atmospheric shockwaves, and tsunami
Sara McBride
USGS Earthquake Science Center
- Date & Time
- Location
- Moffett Field, Building 19 Yosemite Room and Microsoft Teams
- Summary
The collection of online videos and imagery to use in disaster reconnaissance is increasing in frequency, due to accessibility of platforms and the ubiquitous nature of smartphones and recording devices. This presentation explores the processes, goals, and utility of online footage and imagery of geohazards (earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, and landslides) to better understand human behavior. Searching techniques and processes have grown increasingly sophisticated and organized. This talk focuses on three case studies: the 2018 M7.1 Anchorage, 2021 M7.2 Nippes, Haiti earthquakes, as well as the historic Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai volcanic eruption generated atmospheric shockwaves recorded around the globe, as well as a damaging Pacific-wide tsunami. These videos offer a significant source of data about physical and event-related human behavior, given that little is currently known about human reaction to earthquakes as well as volcanic eruptions followed by tsunami of these magnitudes, as well as the physical phenomena. For the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai collected more than 400 videos for the eruption and this data set offers novel information about people's reactions to the eruption and attendant tsunami obtained from 11 different nations throughout the Pacific Ocean basin. This collection provides potential insights into human behavior across cultures and national boundaries related to tsunami impacts. Two findings were of interest: one is that when presented with multiple eruption-related hazards, people were more likely to do nothing than take self-protective action, indicating the need for multi-hazard drills. Further, surprisingly, in our dataset the presence of children seemingly reduced the likelihood that protective action was taken, particularly in relation to the tsunami. These findings can inform future education and outreach efforts to assist in strengthening standardized protective actions for the impacted regions.
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