How GPS Tracking Technology Helps to Safely Monitor a Volcano
2 Sep 2014TheMay 18, 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption, the most significant geological event in U.S. history, took the life of USGS scientist David A. Johnston, who was monitoring the volcano, along with 56 other people. Today, we have the technology to save those lives while still monitoring and learning from volcanoes in moments of activity as well as inactivity in the form of GPS tracking technology.
Monitoring Movement on the Ground
LiveScience.com reports that the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory tracks movement at active volcano sites throughout the state with more than 60 GPS sensors. They are very much like the sensors most people have in their auto navigation systems, only more sensitive. Having equipment “on the ground” means that fewer people must be close by to actually monitor or watch the volcano. The equipment does it for them allowing people to remain a safer distant away from areas of imminent danger in the event of an eruption.
Measuring Volcanic Plumes in the Air
Another way GPS tracking helps monitor volcanoes is in predicting the size, scope, and movement of ash clouds and volcanic plumes. This saves lives in more ways than are obvious at first. It helps direct air traffic around and away from the ash and helps warn people, particularly those prone to respiratory problems, about ash before it becomes problematic.
How does GPS help? According toGeophysical Research Letters, they are able to do this by using GPS signal strength data, scientists can uncover the general direction and size of ash clouds and gas plumes even when visibility through satellites is spotty and without going through the expense of re-tasking satellites in the hopes of getting “eyes” on the situation.
This method also overcomes the limitations of using satellite imagery such as the fact that images don’t show up on satellite when it’s cloudy or during the night. At this point, USGS geophysicist, Michael Lisowski, in a Scientific American interview, says, “More research is needed to determine how dense a plume must be to cause a drop in signal strength.”
Beyond GPS
GPS alone isn’t the only technological advance that makes the study and monitor of volcanoes and eruptions a safe proposition. Unmanned drones can boldly go places far too dangerous for mere mortals to tread. These drones can collect date about toxins, sulfur dioxide, and even take videos (video and infrared) of areas people simply cannot gain access to. Satellite imagery, despite certain limitations, can be used to measure topographical changes and visibly monitor volcanoes from incredibly safe distances.
Early detection and warning when volcanoes erupt does save lives. It is believed that the warnings of Mr. Johnston are the primary reason that deaths following Mt. Saint Helen’s 1980 eruption numbered fewer than 100 rather than in the thousands. Today we have the technology to save even more lives while still gaining valuable date and measurements. GPS is one of the tools that’s making a difference and helping to save lives.
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