Scientists Study How Satellites Could Improve Volcano Forecasts

摘要

For decades, space-based instruments have provided scientists with detailed imagery of volcanic eruptions and helped researchers trace the movement of the ensuing ash clouds. Increasingly, researchers are investigating whether satellites could be used to help researchers detect signs that volcanic activity may be imminent. On Aug. 18, the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (NPP) weather and climate satellite spotted unusually high temperatures as a result of an upsurge in volcanic activity in Japan's Mount Sakurajima. That high thermal reading was noted 14 hours before Mount Sakurajima erupted, spewing ash over nearby Kagoshima city.