The numerous annual volcanic eruptions that occur worldwide evidence the potential dangers they often create. Volcanoes are found across a wide variety of geologic settings, including subduction zones (i.e.: Andes, Cascades, Aleutian Islands) and hotspot settings (i.e.: Hawaii-Emperor Seamounts, Galapagos, Azores). Regardless of their location, history has demonstrated that volcanoes pose a vivid and real hazard to regional settlements and environments. The eruption of Mt. St. Helens (Washington - 1980), Nevado del Ruiz (Colombia - 1985), Mt. Hudson (Chile - 1991), Mt. Pinatubo (Indonesia - 1991) and Reventador (Ecuador - 2002) are just some of the numerous examples in which volcanic eruptions affect large regions.