Scots scientists take on Stromboli to test monitoring system that could save lives
● Drone used to aid 3D mapping of volcanic sites
For more than 2,000 years, Stromboli’s volcano – known as the “Lighthouse of the Mediterranean” because of its role in guiding mariners – has been in almost continuous eruption, roaring and erupting, spewing volcanic residues and incandescent lava into the air.
Now Stromboli’s temperamental behaviour is coming under much closer scrutiny after Scottish geoscientists created the world’s first 3D thermal images of the active volcano.
The team’s ultimate aim is to develop a fully automated drone monitoring system that is more accurate, safer and cheaper than current methods of monitoring, which are unaffordable in developing countries where many of the world’s active volcanoes are located.
The researchers from the University of Aberdeen, assisted by the University of Oslo, used high-precision cameras mounted on a drone to take hundreds of aerial photographs which were then put together to create a 3D model mapping the surface of the volcano on a small island off the north coast of Sicily.
The team overlaid the model with images from a thermal camera, allowing them to see the thermal structure of the volcano in 3D.
Half a billion people live in the shadows of volcanoes globally, mostly in the developing world. By 2050, that number is predicted to rise to a billion.
On average, there are 35 major eruptions from the Earth’s 1,500 active volcanoes every year.
Since 1980, about 27,500 people have been killed by volcanoes.
Stromboli, which has seen high levels of seismic activity since December, welcomed in 2018 by erupting and exploding, forcing mayor Marco Giorgianni to ban tourists from the summit.
On occasion residents have been evacuated to the neighbouring island of Lipari after concerns for their safety.
In the early 1900s, the population numbered a few thousand, but following several waves of emigrations it is now down to around 500.
Professor John Howell, from the University of Aberdeen, said: “This thermal structure gives us significant insight into changes in the volcano. If we see certain areas are unexpectedly hot then it might be an early warning sign, especially if the ground has swelled.
“These are very small movements so not easily detectable, but by using the latest high-precision cameras we can notice subtle changes to the volcano that might signal an imminent eruption. The ability to deploy a drone really close to a volcano means that as well as getting high precision thermal mapping and imagery, we can also deploy portable seismometers and gas sensors in areas that are too dangerous for people to go.”
Prof Howell said the team’s initial research allowed them to identify the key challenges involved in developing a fully automated system, but the early results are promising.
He said: “Drone technology is moving so fast we could have a system fully up and running in a few years.
“Being able to send a lowcost portable drone unit to any volcano around the world could really revolutionise how we monitor volcanos and be a game-changer for the people who live and work in their shadow.
“Ultimately this technology could help us build a much better idea of how volcanoes behave and … could save lives.”
“This could really revolutionise how we monitor volcanoes and be a game-changer for people who live and work in their shadow... it could save lives.”
PROF JOHN HOWELL