Scientists make long-term volcano monitoring feasible by developing cheaper, more efficient cameras in the field
The release of gas is a manifestation of activity occurring below the surface of volcanoes. By measuring them, researchers can see what is not visible from the surface. This knowledge is essential for hazard monitoring and prediction of future eruptions. Since the mid-2000s, UV SO2 cameras have become an important tool for measuring emissions. However, SO2 cameras are not suitable for acquiring long-term datasets, as measurement campaigns require a user to accompany them. Building and operating this type of camera costs him over $20,000, so few of them are permanently installed.
To obtain better long-term monitoring data, an international team of researchers developed a SO2 camera that continuously measures the emission rate from the volcano. They have now published an article on the camera design and his two initial datasets in Frontiers in Earth Science.
“Our device uses a sensor that doesn’t look like a smartphone camera sensor. Yes, said Dr. Thomas Wilkes, lead author of the study.
Low cost and power intensive
Compared to previous models, the researcher’s SO2 camera is significantly cheaper and consumes less power. Priced at around $5,000, the new design cuts the cost of parts needed to build the camera to about a quarter of what it was in previous models.
“We 3D print as many parts as possible to keep costs as low as possible,” Wilkes explains. “We also present user-friendly, freely available software to control the instrument and process the acquired data in a robust manner.” The camera will be made available to volcanologists who do not have access to the containing dataset.
Additionally, the system power consumption is low, averaging 3.75 watts. This is about half the amount required for the previously presented power system. This is especially beneficial for sites with little solar power available, the researchers wrote. Their cameras run on fewer or smaller solar panels or batteries, further reducing overall costs.
While there are other instruments that measure volcanic emissions, “SO2 cameras, when permanently installed, can provide data of higher temporal and spatial resolution that could fuel new volcano studies.” said Wilkes.
Data for Chile and Hawaii
Wilkes and his team also presented two preliminary data sets from Lascar, a stratovolcano in Chile, and Kilauea, a shield volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii, where the camera is continuously active.
“To date, only three volcanoes have permanently installed SO2 cameras,” says Wilkes. “Discrete field campaigns have been carried out and are very useful for different research questions, but it is important to be able to measure volcanic activity continuously. Because it can change significantly beyond.”
Despite being cost-effective and easy to use, researchers noted some limitations of SO2 cameras. camera orientation,” says Wilkes.
Original: New low-cost camera could help scientists predict volcanic eruptions that affect millions
Than: University of Sheffield
