HOW DOES SENTINEL CRACK THE VOLCANO CODE?

Volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis— truly, humankind is constantly imperiled. When it comes to natural disasters, one decisive factor can mean the difference between life and death: time… Volcanoes in particular have long been considered unpredictable and difficult to decode. Thanks to Sentinel images, researchers are now better equipped to monitor tectonic and volcanic activity, so they can rapidly determine details such as where the lava mass is headed after a volcanic eruption and how nearby settlements can be protected. These satellites can also identify an object from up to 500 miles away, even if it’s smaller than 3 feet. In the event of a flood or earthquake, experts can quickly gain an overview of the crisis area and direct relief staff accordingly.

PRECISION TO THE CENTIMETER Changes in land mass, newly formed lava fields, and dangerous shifts on volcanic slopes are all made visible by the satellite images.