|
 Volcanoes
are windows into the interior of the Earth. Through subtle changes
and dramatic explosions, they intrigue scientists and often strike
fear into societies. Lava flows, pyroclastic flows, and lahars pose
great risk to those living in the proximity of a volcano, while
large explosive eruptions can affect the entire planet by filling
the atmosphere with ash and sulfate particles thereby modify the
global climate. We are entering a period of rapid growth in our
understanding of volcanoes as we integrate a broader variety of
measurements of volcanic behavior and develop new observational
tools.
ESE
investigators have pioneered, advanced, and refined techniques for
measuring volcanogenic ground deformation, temperature anomalies,
gas emissions, and aerosol clouds from space. Working with colleagues
in the USGS, NWS, and FAA, as well as international partners, NASA
plans to accomplish such milestones as a dynamic global inventory
of volcanic activity and an improved volcanic activity warning system.
The
benefits for the nation are myriad. Some examples are hazard mitigation
due to improved volcanic activity warnings, advanced planning for
effects on populations near volcanically active regions, and detection
of ash and plume products to provide warnings for airlines. |
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