The 1000 m-high volcano had been dormant for thousands of years before erupting on 2 May, causing the evacuation of thousands. Chaiten Volcano is located in southern Chile 10 km northeast of the town of Chaiten on the Gulf of Corcovado.
Envisat’s Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) instrument processed this image at a resolution of 1200 m.
Satellite data can be used to detect the slight signs of change that may foretell an eruption. Once an eruption begins, optical and radar instruments can capture the lava flows, mudslides, ground fissures and earthquakes.
Atmospheric sensors onboard satellites can also identify the gases and aerosols released by the eruption, as well as quantify their wider environmental impact.
To boost the use of Earth Observation (EO) data at volcanic observatories, ESA has started to monitor volcanoes worldwide within the Agency’s Data User Element programme.
The Globvolcano project, started in early 2007, will define, implement and validate information services to support volcanological observatories in their daily work by integration of EO data, with emphasis on observation and early warning.
Mariangela D'Acunto | Source: alphagalileo
Further information: www.esa.int/esaEO/SEMYQYZXUFF_planet_0.html
More articles from Earth Sciences:
New Study in Geology Uses Satellite Imagery to Identify Active Magma Systems in East Africa’s Rift Valley
06.11.2009 | University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School
Education and Planning Cut Death Toll in Samoa Tsunami
06.11.2009 | Georgia Institute of Technology, Research Communications
Airborne nitrogen shifts aquatic nutrient limitation in pristine lakes
06.11.2009 | Studies and Analyses
Genome sequence for the domestic horse to be unveiled
06.11.2009 | Life Sciences
06.11.2009 | Earth Sciences
Texas Tech University Hosts Major Textile Conference in India
06.11.2009 | Event News
Brief Highlights of the Fluid Dynamics Conference, Minneapolis
30.10.2009 | Event News
EUROSAFE Forum 2009 Brussels: "Safety Implications of an Increased Demand for Nuclear Energy"
29.10.2009 | Event News