Building Global Capacity for the Observation of Volcanic and Atmospheric Change
The emission of volcanic gases and ash to the atmosphere is a common volcanic activity, true for at least 150 volcanoes on the Earth’s surface. These volcanic plumes directly impact humans and the environment; the extent of this impact depends on the size and location of the volcano. Interpreting volcanic plumes in a timely and accurate manner is crucial for predicting and assessing the broader impact of volcanic eruptions.
Over the last 15 years, the Network for Observation of Volcanic and Atmospheric Change (NOVAC) has been established, fostering global cooperation among volcanologists and remote-sensing experts, focusing on around 50 volcanoes worldwide, primarily in developing countries.
Although observations are performed routinely and automatically, there is a pressing need to empower local people to interpret this data, on its own and in relation to other observations, especially during periods of volcanic unrest. IGCP 705 aims to facilitate collaboration between diverse experts to leverage NOVAC data, deciphering volcanic plume signals for better eruption prediction and impact assessment. This collaborative approach will ensure effective local capacity building within a context of global collaboration.
Key information
Duration
2020-2025
IGCP Theme
Geohazards
Project Leader
Chalmers University of Technology Department of Space, Sweden
Highlights
First international conference on the risk of the Virunga Volcanoes, DRC
In the aftermath of the May 2021 eruption of Nyiragongo volcano, the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in partnership with the Goma Volcano Observatory (GVO) and supported by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth’s Interior (IAVCEI), organized a high-level scientific conference. One of the primary aims was to outline a five-year development plan for GVO. This event, held in Goma in March 2022, drew over 200 participants, including representatives from civil society, academia, government bodies, and international organizations. Researchers involved in the project actively engaged in panel discussions during and after the conference, presenting scientific findings based on observations conducted in the Virunga region since 2003.
Between March and May 2022, gas monitoring instruments from the NOVAC network were installed on three volcanoes: Nyiragongo (DRC), Rincón de la Vieja (Costa Rica), and Ruapehu (New Zealand). Collaborative efforts among teams from Chalmers (Sweden), USGS (USA), GVO (DR Congo), OVSICORI (Costa Rica), and GNS Science (New Zealand) facilitated this installation. Data is transmitted in real time to volcano observatories and connected with the project database.
Inaugural volcanic gas studies workshop
The workshop titled 'Methods, Best Practices, and Interactions in the Northern Andes' was held in Ecuador in December 2021, focusing on volcanic gas studies. It brought together nine staff members from five volcano observatories across Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador. These observatories are responsible for monitoring 55 out of the 73 active volcanoes in these areas.
They have identified the importance of sharing knowledge, in order to enhance their understanding of acquiring, processing, and interpreting volcanic gas emission measurements using methods of direct sampling and remote sensing from ground and space. The workshop served as a platform for strengthening collaboration among these observatories, and to plan future projects in the region. It will serve as a pilot initiative that can be replicated in other parts of the world to promote similar knowledge-sharing workshops.
This project was developed with the generous financial support of the Jeju Province Development Co. (JPDC).
