Development of a drone-based measurement system for real-time monitoring of volcanic gas composition

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Thorsten Hoffmann
• Subject Area: Measurement Systems
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 541033130

The study of the chemical composition of volcanic emissions is an important method for gaining information about volcanic systems and obtaining unique insights into magmatic processes. In particular, changes in the chemical composition of the released gases represent one of the few chemical probes that allow conclusions to be drawn about processes in the inaccessible interior of the Earth in order to predict, for example, the rise of magma and thus imminent volcanic eruptions. But volcanoes in particular are difficult to access and only at great expense and personal risk. Therefore, the goal of this project is to develop, build and commission a drone-based monitoring station to survey volcanic activity through accurate real-time quantitative measurements of selected volcanic gases (CO2, SO2, HCl). For this research project, the system will eventually be set up at Etna as a case study. In addition to a significant time, safety and, last but not least, cost advantage compared to manual or stationary sampling at volcanoes, the main objective of this project is to create the scientific-technical prerequisites for better surveillance of volcanoes in terms of temporal and spatial resolution, so that the system can then also be used at other completely remote volcanoes in the mid- to long-term.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 2433: Metrology on flying platforms
• International Connection: Italy
• Cooperation Partner: Dr. Nicole Bobrowski