Drones Are Giving Us Never-Before-Seen Close-up Views of Volcanic Eruptions

[Judi Lynn]

Andrew Liszewski
Yesterday 6:14pm

It’s not just the intense heat that makes it hard for researchers to closely study an active volcano, there’s also a potpourri of noxious gases that are less than ideal to inhale. But at the controls of a sensor-laden drone, scientists from the University of Cambridge have been able to capture amazing close-up footage of Guatemalan eruptions.

Using a custom fixed wing UAV (essentially an RC plane) the scientists were able to fly to the peak of Volcán de Fuego and Volcán de Pacaya in Guatemala, allowing them to sample and document volcanic emissions that could otherwise not have been detected. In the future, the research could be used to help better monitor volcanoes, and predict eruptions, giving locals more time to get to safely ahead of an impending disaster.

http://sploid.gizmodo.com/drones-are-giving-us-never-before-seen-close-up-views-o-1794233727


Environment & Energy:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/1127109630

[Judi Lynn]

1. Volcanic eruption captured by drones in Guatemala

11 April 2017 Last updated at 18:38 BST

Violent volcanic eruptions in Guatemala have been captured by drones for the first time.

A team of scientists from the Universities of Bristol and Cambridge flew the unmanned vehicles 3,700m (12139ft) over the Volcan de Fuego, which erupts every three to four weeks.

The plumes of ash and gas expelled into the atmosphere threaten the lives of 60,000 people living in the region.

The drones have allowed the scientists to measure temperatures, humidity and thermal data within the volcanic clouds.

http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-39571147

[Judi Lynn]

2. Guatemala: Up close and personal with active volcanoes video

Last updated 09:09, April 12 2017

Amazing footage of active volcanoes has emerged thanks to scientists using drones in Guatemala.

The drones, which were equipped with lightweight sensors, were flown to the inaccessible volcano peaks of Volcan de Fuego and Volcan de Pacaya.

​They had to be launched 8 kilometres away and were kept at a height of 3km.



The team, from the Universities of Cambridge and Bristol, picked up useful data from emissions, and visual and thermal images of eruptions in real time.

More:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/americas/91484893/.html