Uncrewed Aircraft Help Predict Volcanic Eruptions
In Bali, Indonesia, researchers are hoping that drones will help them detect and prevent next significant volcanic eruptions, as well as minimize casualties and deaths.
Researchers from Aeroterrascan, an Indonesian drone producer, have performed two missions.
On the first day, they used drones to create accurate 3D maps of the size of the Agung volcano, accuracy up to 20cm.
In the second mission, a drone is equipped with sensors that identify carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide when flying over volcanoes. When these gases suddenly increase, which is a sign that there is about to be an eruption about to happen. In this test, this high level of substance is the premise for the government to raise the alert level for volcanoes to the highest standard.
The third task is that they use drones to scan the area around the volcano for those who need help to evacuate them from danger.
These flights are not without risks. A few aircraft were lost during the test, and they were not cheap to replace. But ultimately, all is necessary to increase the amount of data about active volcanoes so that people can be safer.