This image, recorded by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 objective on October 10, shows the new circulation of lava from the volcano erupting on the Spanish island of La Palma. Credit: Contains modified Copernicus Sentinel information (2021 ), processed by ESA, CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO
La Palma Volcano: How Satellites Help United States Monitor Eruptions
Since the Cumbre Vieja volcano began appearing on September 19, 2021, lava has burned through roadways, homes, and farmlands causing mass destruction on the west part of the Canary Island of La Palma. Satellite images has actually assisted authorities keep an eye on and manage the continuous crisis. From capturing pictures of the rivers of lava, to measuring gas emissions and examining damage, the fleet of Copernicus Sentinel satellites have been supplying essential data for regional groups.
It has been over 3 weeks of continuous activity at Cumbre Vieja, which implies The Old Summit in Spanish. On Saturday October 9, it was reported that parts of the northern face of the volcanos cone collapsed, leading the lava to overflow in various instructions. On Sunday, October 11, 21 seismic movements were discovered, with the biggest measuring 3.8 on the Richter scale, according to the National Geographic Institute of Spain (IGN).
An accumulation of ash and dust on the runway forced authorities in La Palma to close the islands airport, according to Spains airport authority AENA. It has been the 2nd time the airport has actually been closed due to ash build-up given that the eruption began on 19 September.
From recording images of the rivers of lava, to determining gas emissions and evaluating damage, the fleet of Copernicus Sentinel satellites have actually been providing vital data for local groups.
This image shows the sulfur dioxide emissions from the eruption on October 6, caught by the Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite, moving over the Atlantic Ocean towards Central America. Credit: Contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data (2021 ), processed by ESA, CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO
Sulfur dioxide concentrations can be monitored using the Copernicus Sentinel-5P Volcanic Sulphur Dioxide online platform. Utilizing information from the Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite, the platform reveals the everyday sulfur dioxide concentrations coming mainly from volcanic sources.
In stunning brand-new images taken on October 10, the new river of lava burped from the Cumbre Vieja volcano has been caught by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 objective. This Sentinel-2 images have been processed in real color, using the shortwave infrared channel to highlight the brand-new flow of lava.
New lava river recorded by Copernicus Sentinel-2. Credit: Contains customized Copernicus Sentinel data (2021 ), processed by ESA, CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO
The Volcanology Institute of the Canary Islands (Involcan) mentioned that the lava flow, with temperatures approximately 1240 ° C, destroyed the few staying structures still standing north of the Todoque community.
In action to the ongoing eruption, the Copernicus Emergency Mapping Service was activated. Considering that its activation, the service has actually launched 17 tracking mapping products to keep an eye on the lava flow which has affected 497 hectares of land and destroyed over 1100 structures (as of October 8).
Satellites in orbit bring different instruments that offer a wealth of complementary info to much better understand volcanic eruptions. Atmospheric sensing units can identify the aerosols and gases released by the eruption, as well as measure their larger environmental impact.
This image shows the sulfur dioxide emissions from the eruption on October 6, recorded by the Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite, moving over the Atlantic Ocean towards Central America. Credit: Contains customized Copernicus Sentinel information (2021 ), processed by ESA, CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO
This image reveals the sulfur dioxide emissions from the eruption on 6 October captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite, moving over the Atlantic Ocean towards Central America. Sentinel-5P can keep track of sulfur dioxide, aerosol, and ash given off by volcanic eruptions and follow its movement through the environment.
ESAs Copernicus Sentinel-5P mission manager, Claus Zehner, remarks, “This volcanic eruption shows how Sentinel information can support various functional Copernicus services. Sentinel-5P sulfur dioxide measurements can be used by the Copernicus Atmospheric Monitoring Service to help air travel companies to prevent volcanic ash and sulfur dioxide plume encounters.
” Sentinel-2 lava circulation measurements can support the Copernicus Emergency Management Service in case of natural disasters like a volcanic eruption.”
Sulfur dioxide concentrations can be kept an eye on utilizing the Copernicus Sentinel-5P Volcanic Sulphur Dioxide online platform. Using information from the Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite, the platform shows the day-to-day sulfur dioxide concentrations coming mainly from volcanic sources. The platform can be accessed by click on this link.