21 Sep 2009

Australia overdue for volcanic eruption - geologist

1:59 pm on 21 September 2009

In Australia, a scientist has warned a volcanic eruption there is "well overdue" and says there are hundreds of volcanoes that could cause trouble.

Melbourne geologist Bernie Joyce says there are 400 volcanoes in Victoria and South Australia, and almost as many in Queensland.

Professor Joyce says there has been a volcanic eruption about every 2000 years in Australia, but the last one was 5000 years ago.

The ABC reports he wants "eruption response plans" drawn up.