In the past few weeks, volcanic eruptions in La Palma have made the headlines. As reported by multiple news sources, this natural disaster is causing many tragedies economically and environmentally. Fortunately no fatalities were reported so far with regards to the eruptions in La Palma, however, volcanic eruptions have proven to be deadly in the past. For instance, the eruption of the Indonesian volcano Anak Krakatau can be classified as one of the deadliest natural disasters which took more than 36.000 lives. Nevertheless, humans have been able to save an increasing number of lives from explosive eruptions over the past years, which is mainly due to accurate predictions of volcanologists about the likelihood of eruptions. What role does technology play in this?
Data monitoring and visualization
Predicting volcanic activity and averting risks is one of the top priorities of volcanologists and scientists. By using several techniques, which are predominantly related to data monitoring and data visualization, volcanologists have averted many disasters. One key technology that is used by these scientists is GIS technology – Geological Information System. This information system intends to visualize the surface of the Earth by collecting huge amounts of topographic data. Also, GPS satellites are used to monitor the ground activities on the volcano and generate data. For this, GPS receivers are placed on the volcano, while GPS satellites are examining the surface and sending signals to the ground units. The generated data is analyzed by volcanologists. Important factors to consider are the speed and the direction of the surface movement. Based on this information, scientists can visualize the activity of the volcano.
Scientists also use Spiders, special robots which monitor the gases within a volcano. Using Spiders, scientists can easily detect whether a volcano is likely to erupt as it emits a higher amount of the substance sulfur dioxide right before impact.
As digitalization is occurring, scientists are able to use Artificial Intelligence and build models of volcanic activity accordingly. For instance, the interferometric synthetic aperture radar technique (InSAR) is used by several satellites to collect images of ground activity. This technique was used even more a while ago, when the European Space Agency started to use Sentinel Radar A1 and B1 satellites. As satellites struggle to continuously analyze the high amount of pictures, machine learning is used to develop an algorithm. Using this algorithm, newly received data can be examined and compared to previous patterns. Consequently, decisions could be made about likely eruptions.
As known, erupting volcanoes could be disastrous if debris reaches a populated area. Therefore, governments use the above-mentioned tools and information to enhance their decision-making and improve their evacuation plans. Due to these monitoring processes, new technologies, and developed risk management, nations can continue to avoid national tragedies and save many more lives in the future.
Sources:
McEvoy, J., (2021). La Palma Volcano Eruption: Wall Of Lava Flows Down Hillsides Of Spanish Island, Destroying Everything In Its Path (Photos). [online] Forbes. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jemimamcevoy/2021/09/22/la-palma-volcano-eruption-wall-of-lava-flows-down-hillsides-of-spanish-island-destroying-everything-in-its-path-photos/?sh=5d7567e31fbc [Accessed 28 September 2021].
Greif, V. and Vlcko, J., (2011). Monitoring of post-failure landslide deformation by the PS-InSAR technique at Lubietova in Central Slovakia. Environmental Earth Sciences, 66(6), pp.1585-1595.
Available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12665-011-0951-x
Encyclopedia Britannica (2021). volcano – Four of the worst eruptions in history. [online] Available at: https://www.britannica.com/science/volcano/Four-of-the-worst-eruptions-in-history [Accessed 26 September 2021].
Usgs.gov (2021). USGS to Install New Volcano Early Detection and Monitoring Stations at Mount Hood–Improving Early Detection of Unrest at this Active Volcano. [online] Available at: https://www.usgs.gov/news/usgs-install-new-volcano-early-detection-and-monitoring-stations-mount-hood-improving-early [Accessed 29 September 2021].
Usgs.gov. (2021). Networks of GPS receivers track ground movement at volcanoes. [online] Available at: https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/volcano-hazards/networks-gps-receivers-track-ground-movement-volcanoes [Accessed 29 September 2021].
Palmer, J. (2021). The new science of volcanoes harnesses AI, satellites and gas sensors to forecast eruptions. [online] Available at: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-01445-y [Accessed 25 September 2021].
Since I read and viewed a lot about the eruption I was very curious for your piece of writing. When reading the introductory paragraph I thought it was going to more of a geography essay, though I really liked the twist when you announced you were going to address the role technology plays in this real-life case. I did not know about any of the information systems they use for prediction and monitoring of vulcanic eruptions. Something I liked getting to know about. Thanks for informing me, good job! 🙂
Hi Widhuja!
It is a very interesting blog post explaining how technology have been developed for detecting volcanoes and how AI has helped to make it a lot better. It is very likely that this technology aids the government in detecting the volcano and the earthquake associated with it earlier. But I think in order for this technology to be able to save more lives, it will also need to be accompanied by an efficient information and communication system. Because there are some countries who already use InSAR but they lack the technology and the system to communicate the results to the locals immediately. An inefficient information and communication system could delay the evacuation process and reduce the time available to save people.