NH028-0001
Developing a Next Generation UAS Volcano Observation Platform

Monday, 14 December 2020
Poster
Christoph Kern, Cascades Volcano Observatory - USGS, Vancouver, WA, United States, Angela K. Diefenbach, USGS, Cascades Volcano Observatory, Vancouver, WA, United States, Jack Steward Elston, Black Swift Technologies, Boulder, CO, United States, Maciej Stachura, Black Swift Technologies LLC, Boulder, CO, United States, Andy Dietrick, Aleutian Aerial LLC, Unalaska, AK, United States, Peter J Kelly, USGS Volcano Science Center, Vancouver, WA, United States, Matthew Fladeland, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffet Field, CA, United States and Jonathan D Stock, US Geological Survey, Menlo Park, CA, United States
Abstract:
Recent developments in the field of unoccupied aircraft systems (UAS) have shown great promise for observing volcanic phenomena. Research groups around the world now use UAS to collect visual footage of ongoing surface activity, photogrammetric observations of topography and deformation, and measurements of gas speciation and emission rate. With few exceptions, however, research teams have used small UAS with short ranges, requiring operations to be based close to their observation target. Although volcanologists have learned a great deal from these observations, such close-range operations will not always be possible when working on hazardous volcanoes.

Working closely with industry partners and NASA, the USGS Volcano Hazards Program is developing a next generation UAS volcano observation platform. Based on the Black Swift S2 fixed-wing UAS with a 3 m wingspan and 2.3 kg payload capacity, this platform can approach active volcanoes from safe distances of more than 30 km while climbing to summit elevations of more than 3000 m and remain airborne for about 90 minutes. Equipped with a backup satellite link and a forward-looking video camera that streams back to the base station in real time, the aircraft is built to fly beyond visual line of sight during volcano observation missions.

Once onsite, a state-of-the-art modular payload is used to survey volcanic activity. An infrared laser gas absorption instrument measures the concentration of CO2 in the volcanic plume, one of the earliest indicators of deep magma intrusions. Additional electrochemical sensors measure sulfur gases that can help characterize the interaction of volcanic gas with groundwater or hydrothermal systems. An upward-looking ultraviolet spectrometer measures the emission rate of SO2, increases in which are indicative of magma rising to shallow depths. A high-resolution, geotagging optical camera provides photogrammetry for building digital elevation models and monitoring surface deformation.

This new UAS platform will enable measurements that would otherwise not be possible to safely acquire. The collected data will inform hazard assessments and assist in forecasting future volcanic eruptions without putting scientists in harm’s way as well as improve our ability to validate satellite measurements of volcanic degassing and deformation.

Previous Abstract | Next Abstract >>