How is drone technology advancing our understanding of future volcanism?

Wed, 4 Nov 2020, 21:48

21:48 PM | BY: ELEANOR

Aerial Observations of Manam, Papua New Guinea (Image: Lui et al. 2020)

Improved early warning systems are crucial for minimising loss of life and effectively planning for volcanic emergencies. Typically, volcanologists use seismic monitoring as their main indicator of imminent volcanic activity. As technology advances, alternative early warning system methods are being explored by volcanologists.

A better understanding of the chemistry within a volcanic plume, and the clues about future eruptions that might be contained within, may lead to more accurate forecasting of future volcanism.

Adapted drones, equipped with gas sensors and cameras, could be the answer and a recently published study in Science Advances, led by Dr. Emma Lui (University College London), investigates how aerial measurements of volcanic gases using unoccupied aerial systems (drones) transform our ability to measure and monitor plumes remotely whilst also obtaining greater knowledge on global volatile fluxes from volcanoes.

Aerial robotic strategies using drone technology are changing the landscape of volcanological research and monitoring, contributing to accurate and repeatable data at spatial resolutions often exceeding ground or space-based equivalents as well as being more cost effective than manned aircraft alternatives.

Research for this study was carried out on a small volcanic island off the Northeast coast of Papua New Guinea. Manam has two simultaneously active vents and is one of the most active volcanoes in Papua New Guinea. Since historical records began it has been characterized by persistent passive degassing and intermittent Strombolian activity, punctuated by paroxysmal sub-Plinian eruptions on sub-decadal time scales. It is currently ranked among the strongest volcanic emission sources globally and, with a carbon dioxide emission rate of ~1 Mt CO2/year between 2005 to 2015, Manam is among the most significant volcanic carbon sources currently active, therefore it was a fitting study site for this research by Lui et al. (2020).

Close flyovers of the volcano were completed in October 2018 and May 2019 – an abundance of geochemistry data was obtained including concentrations of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, flux rates, and carbon isotope compositions via isotopic analysis of plume samples. Results indicated degassing at the volcano’s southern crater between October 2018 and May 2019, a likely precursor to an eruption. One month later, Manam Volcano erupted.

Improving the ability to measure and monitor volcanic plumes remotely will have transformative consequences for the quantification of global volatile budgets and for our understanding of volcanic plume dynamics and chemistry more generally. Advances in drone technology within modern volcanology may translate into tangible monitoring strategies that could assist in the identification of future precursory changes in volcanic activity at inaccessible, remote volcanic systems.

However, this study cautions that volcanic emissions alone are not a reliable indicator of imminent volcanism – they should be used collectively with other accurate measurements and observations.

All news about: Manam volcano
Information about: Manam volcano

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Links / Sources:

Science Advances article: Aerial strategies advance volcanic gas measurements at inaccessible, strongly degassing volcanoes (Lui et al. 2020)
Live Science: Drones are flying straight into volcanoes, for life-saving science
YouTube Deep Carbon Expedition video: Exploring Manam Volcano degassing with drones

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Island of La Palma in the Canaries, Volcán Taburiente in background – study site for research by Thiele et al. (2020) (Image: Global Volcanism Program)

One of the worst things that can happen to a volcano and anyone nearby is when larger parts of the volcano collapse, creating catastrophic landslides or debris avalanches, usually along with powerful explosive eruptions. The 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens was such a case. Fortunately, such events are very rare, but their hazard is much greater than most other types of volcanic eruptions. ... read all

Mon, 5 Oct 2020, 09:05

Could volcanic ash help combat global climate change?

Volcanic ash settling on south Pacific Ocean following eruption (Image: USGS)

A recent study published in Anthropocene by the University of Southampton reveals the significant role volcanic ash may have in atmospheric carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas removal, finding it to be a cheaper, simpler and less invasive method than previously proposed alternatives. With anthropogenic induced climate change one of the modern world’s greatest challenges, it has now been internationally recognised, through policies such as the 2015 Paris Agreement, that methods of active greenhouse gas removal (GGR) are fundamental to win the fight against climate change. GGR techniques aim to reduce the greenhouse effect, thus slowing climate change and providing a longer time frame for society to adapt and mitigate. ... read all

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Try our free app! Android \| iOS version Volcano Tours Our expert volcanologists and photographers offer unique travel experiences: volcano expeditions, photo tours, and relaxed walking & study tours. Guaranteed tours 8-16 May 2021: From Stromboli to Etna - Sicila and Eolian Islands (Italy) 24 Jun - 8 Jul 2021: Colors of Iceland: Fire, Earth, Ice and Water - Iceland 30 Jul - 13 Aug 2021: Colors of Iceland: Fire, Earth, Ice and Water - Iceland : spaces available / : guaranteed / : few spaces left / : booked out		How is drone technology advancing our understanding of future volcanism? Wed, 4 Nov 2020, 21:48 21:48 PM \| BY: ELEANOR Aerial Observations of Manam, Papua New Guinea (Image: Lui et al. 2020) Improved early warning systems are crucial for minimising loss of life and effectively planning for volcanic emergencies. Typically, volcanologists use seismic monitoring as their main indicator of imminent volcanic activity. As technology advances, alternative early warning system methods are being explored by volcanologists. A better understanding of the chemistry within a volcanic plume, and the clues about future eruptions that might be contained within, may lead to more accurate forecasting of future volcanism. Adapted drones, equipped with gas sensors and cameras, could be the answer and a recently published study in Science Advances, led by Dr. Emma Lui (University College London), investigates how aerial measurements of volcanic gases using unoccupied aerial systems (drones) transform our ability to measure and monitor plumes remotely whilst also obtaining greater knowledge on global volatile fluxes from volcanoes. Aerial robotic strategies using drone technology are changing the landscape of volcanological research and monitoring, contributing to accurate and repeatable data at spatial resolutions often exceeding ground or space-based equivalents as well as being more cost effective than manned aircraft alternatives. Research for this study was carried out on a small volcanic island off the Northeast coast of Papua New Guinea. Manam has two simultaneously active vents and is one of the most active volcanoes in Papua New Guinea. Since historical records began it has been characterized by persistent passive degassing and intermittent Strombolian activity, punctuated by paroxysmal sub-Plinian eruptions on sub-decadal time scales. It is currently ranked among the strongest volcanic emission sources globally and, with a carbon dioxide emission rate of ~1 Mt CO2/year between 2005 to 2015, Manam is among the most significant volcanic carbon sources currently active, therefore it was a fitting study site for this research by Lui et al. (2020). Close flyovers of the volcano were completed in October 2018 and May 2019 – an abundance of geochemistry data was obtained including concentrations of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, flux rates, and carbon isotope compositions via isotopic analysis of plume samples. Results indicated degassing at the volcano’s southern crater between October 2018 and May 2019, a likely precursor to an eruption. One month later, Manam Volcano erupted. Improving the ability to measure and monitor volcanic plumes remotely will have transformative consequences for the quantification of global volatile budgets and for our understanding of volcanic plume dynamics and chemistry more generally. Advances in drone technology within modern volcanology may translate into tangible monitoring strategies that could assist in the identification of future precursory changes in volcanic activity at inaccessible, remote volcanic systems. However, this study cautions that volcanic emissions alone are not a reliable indicator of imminent volcanism – they should be used collectively with other accurate measurements and observations. All news about: Manam volcano Information about: Manam volcano --- Links / Sources: Science Advances article: Aerial strategies advance volcanic gas measurements at inaccessible, strongly degassing volcanoes (Lui et al. 2020) Live Science: Drones are flying straight into volcanoes, for life-saving science YouTube Deep Carbon Expedition video: Exploring Manam Volcano degassing with drones Previous news Fri, 23 Oct 2020, 10:26 Why are some volcanoes more likely to collapse? One of the worst things that can happen to a volcano and anyone nearby is when larger parts of the volcano collapse, creating catastrophic landslides or debris avalanches, usually along with powerful explosive eruptions. The 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens was such a case. Fortunately, such events are very rare, but their hazard is much greater than most other types of volcanic eruptions. ... read all Mon, 5 Oct 2020, 09:05 Could volcanic ash help combat global climate change? A recent study published in Anthropocene by the University of Southampton reveals the significant role volcanic ash may have in atmospheric carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas removal, finding it to be a cheaper, simpler and less invasive method than previously proposed alternatives. With anthropogenic induced climate change one of the modern world’s greatest challenges, it has now been internationally recognised, through policies such as the 2015 Paris Agreement, that methods of active greenhouse gas removal (GGR) are fundamental to win the fight against climate change. GGR techniques aim to reduce the greenhouse effect, thus slowing climate change and providing a longer time frame for society to adapt and mitigate. ... read all to top More on VolcanoDiscovery Major Quakes See all major earthquakes in the past month Volcano Videos Visit our video channel on youtube! Eruption Specials Volcano & eruption special tours: Tours dedicated to usually a single volcano currently in eruption. These trip, sometimes offered only last-minute through our newsletter, are among the most adventurous and most popular in our program. Volcano Tours Volcano Expeditions: Witnessing a volcanic eruption from close is an unforgettable experience. We offer a wide variety of tours and expeditions to active volcanoes worldwide.