The aim of this partnership is to improve the forecasting of volcanic activity by employing complementary geochemical measurements, offering a more comprehensive understanding of volcanic processes. INFICON’s instruments play a vital role in these studies, detecting gases escaping from the ground, with the ability to monitor substances such as CO2, H2S, SO2, and water vapour, alongside noble gases like helium.
Vulcano: A scene of volcano research
Vulcano, one of the seven inhabited Aeolian Islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea off Sicily, is known for its volcanic activity and the pervasive smell of sulphur. Since June 2022, the island has been the focal point of a remarkable research initiative, where volcanology and science converge.
“And the knowledge gained is of great importance for future generations and their environment, beyond the field of volcano research,” explained Professor Andres Diaz and Josef Grenz.
This research involves collaboration between the INFICON team from Cologne and Syracuse, as well as international institutions such as INGV (Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology), NASA, ESA, and ASI. These entities aim to improve volcano monitoring and contribute to civil protection protocols for communities living near active volcanic craters.
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the parameters required for monitoring volcanic activity. Italian scientists Fabio Vita, Salvatore Inguaggiato, and Lorenzo Calderone from the INGV Geological Institute in Palermo note that geochemical monitoring of volcanic gases can help estimate the volume of outgassing magma. By assessing the state and position of molten rock, the potential risk of an eruption can be more precisely determined, as magma seeks to rise to the surface when pressure builds.
Tools for challenging conditions
For this demanding work, scientists rely on INFICON's equipment and expertise. Instruments are deployed either directly at the crater, in nearby areas, or via aerial and space platforms. As Emre Germen, Market Manager at INFICON, explained: "The instruments are used either directly at the crater 'in situ' or in the vicinity of the craters, or they are used from the air or from space. If we go to a volcanic crater to detect leaks and measure escaping gases, we need solutions that can withstand the volcanic conditions.
"You have to think of the underground part of a volcano as a gigantic chamber filled with lava. The pressure of the degassing magma causes cracks and leaks, from which toxic gases and water vapor escape into the atmosphere," added Gemren. "This is where INFICON comes in, using new leak detection technology and state-of-the-art portable gas analysers to measure the composition of the escaping gases and track any changes over time."
The measurements, which utilise CO2 and helium, pose no danger. Variations in the composition and flow of these gases can be linked to shifts within the volcano, providing a clear indication of escalating activity, potentially leading up to an eruption. The measuring equipment is positioned at a secure distance, monitoring the gases released from the earth's interior. It remains unharmed unless an eruption occurs, with magma descending the mountain or during a pyroclastic event, which would then result in the device being destroyed.
Overcoming obstacles on the crater rim
“The conditions directly at the crater are extremely challenging (also and especially in terms of heat resistance),” continued Germen. The surface and rock formations for exploration are completely fissured and scarred. “Cracks and escaping gases permeate the barren landscape and make it a challenge to inspect the measuring points and to stay there.”
Solar modules and batteries are necessary to power the equipment due to the lack of a direct power supply. Fortunately, advances in recent years have made the devices smaller and more portable, transforming them from bulky laboratory apparatus into tools suitable for use in these harsh environments.
In the fieldwork on Vulcano and Stromboli, INFICON uses a mobile helium concentration sensor, known as ‘He-Man,’ equipped with a Wise sensor to detect helium outgassing. This research not only provides insights into volcanic activity but also informs the development of future instruments. Identifying weak points during the research process is essential for product improvement and innovation.
INFICON’s instruments allow for real-time monitoring of gases such as SO2, H2S, CO2, helium, and hydrogen, giving scientists a more comprehensive picture of the volcano’s degassing processes. This approach complements traditional volcano monitoring techniques, including seismometers, inclinometers, and remote sensing methods. By combining these methods, researchers can gain a clearer understanding of volcanic activity.
Preparing for volanic eruptions
On Vulcano, researchers are measuring gas emissions to assess the state of the volcano. Italian volcanoes are among the most closely monitored in the world, providing valuable data that can be used to study other volcanoes globally. This data is also essential for civil protection authorities, helping them prepare for emergencies by monitoring volcanic activity in real time. The findings from this research will contribute to the calibration of NASA's HyTES (Hyperspectral Thermal Emission Spectrometer) and the development of the future HyspIRI satellite, which will significantly improve global volcano monitoring efforts.
