Method and devices for diverting lava flows

Procedure for diverting lava flows using solidified lava barriers comprising the following steps:

• a) Estimation of the lava trajectory.
• b) Identification of suitable locations in the path of the lava to form a barrier. The criteria for choosing the sites will be:
• i) Effectiveness of the diversion, achieving less destruction than the original path.
• ii) Ease of diversion by estimating that a smaller volume of barrier is needed or that it is easier to create.
• c) Forming the barrier or preparing the site for the barrier to form when the lava arrives. The barrier is characterized by being formed by the solidified lava of the flow itself. The solidification is achieved by exploiting the high latent heat of vaporization of water by converting it from a liquid to a gaseous phase, exchanging thermal energy with the lava. The exchange is achieved in three ways:
• i) When the lava heats a container that holds water.
• ii) When the lava comes into direct contact with the water.
• iii) Through both of the above methods either simultaneously or alternately.