Quaternary lava tubes distribution in Jeju Island and their potential deformation risks

Jeju Island, a volcanic wonder formed by Quaternary eruptions, harbors a complex network of 178 lava tubes, many still undiscovered. A study reveals that these underground cavities pose significant deformation risks, particularly during nearby construction, with ground surface deformations measured at up to 2 mm/year using InSAR techniques. The research found no correlation between lava tube distribution and specific geological units, but identified high collapse risks in areas with ongoing artificial developments. Machine learning applications further confirmed the instability of shallow lava cavities, underscoring the need for thorough physical exploration and risk assessment before intensive construction projects proceed.

Kim, J., Lin, S.-Y., & Oh, J.-w. (2020). Quaternary lava tubes distribution in Jeju Island and their potential deformation risks. https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2020-321