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Tracking Surface Changes Caused by Volcanic Activity

Scientific Investigations Report 2024-5062-G
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20245062G

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Introduction

Dynamic volcanic landscapes produce various changes at the surface of volcanic edifices. For example, rising magma can induce thermal emissions, formation of ground cracks, and variations in glacier and edifice morphology; volcanic deposits from eruptions can transform the land surface with tephra fall, pyroclastic flows, lava flows and domes, and lahars; and geomorphic changes from landslides and lahars can occur in the absence of unrest or eruption.

The best way to detect these changes is with imagery obtained via satellite, aircraft (including unoccupied aircraft systems, or UAS), and ground-based imaging. Rapid advances in imaging technologies have been leveraged by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Volcano Hazards Program to improve the ability to monitor volcanoes. To this end, the guidance outlined here provides a framework for tracking volcanic unrest and the emplacement and evolution of volcanic deposits, further elucidating the processes associated with volcanic eruptions. The techniques currently used include (1) various telemetered and non-telemetered cameras, (2) high-resolution ground-based optical (visible to short-wave infrared wavelengths) and thermal infrared photography, (3) satellite and airborne thermal, optical, and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery, and (4) light detection and ranging (lidar) surveys from airborne and ground-based platforms. Given that similar or overlapping techniques are applied to meet the capabilities listed in this chapter, we first provide an overview of remote sensing techniques. The use of UAS in monitoring surface change is briefly mentioned in this chapter and described in more detail in the dedicated UAS chapter (chapter L, this volume; Diefenbach, 2024).

Suggested Citation

Orr, T.R., Dietterich, H.R., and Poland, M.P., 2024, Tracking surface changes caused by volcanic activity, chap. G of Flinders, A.F., Lowenstern, J.B., Coombs, M.L., and Poland, M.P., eds., Recommended capabilities and instrumentation for volcano monitoring in the United States: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2024–5062–G, 11 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20245062G.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

ISSN: 2328-031X (print)

Table of Contents

  • Introduction
  • Instrumentation
  • Recommended Capabilities
  • Summary—Recommendations for Levels 1–4 Networks
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Tracking surface changes caused by volcanic activity
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2024-5062
Chapter G
DOI 10.3133/sir20245062G
Year Published 2024
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Volcano Science Center
Description iv, 11 p.
Online Only (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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