what kind of equipment are scientists using to predict Volcanic eruptions?
May 09, 2010
in
Earthquake Questions
aside from seismometers and seismographs, is there any new technology helping scientists predict volcanic eruptions?
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2 comments
Skechers on May 9, 2010 at 3:00 am
Scientists have not yet been able to predict with absolute certainty when a volcanic eruption will take place, but significant progress has been made in recent times. The main world organization for predicting and monitoring volcanic activity is the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The USGS invests significant resources monitoring and researching volcanos (as well as other geological phenomena).
The link below provide you with informations and methods that helps Volcanologists to forecast eruptions.
asgspifs on May 9, 2010 at 3:00 am
"Predict" is a strong word. We prefer to use words like "forecast" or "anticipate" volcanic eruptions based on probabilities.
Aside from seismic measuring/monitoring equipment, we use
1) tiltmeters, strainmeters, laser range finders, adn GPS stations to monitor ground deformation;
2) gas detectors (in situ or remote sensing instruments) to measure changes in gas and aerosol emissions; and
3) thermal sensors (mostly airborne and spaceborne thermal infrared remote sensing instruments) to measure how much heat is radiating away and how it changes with time.