World's first 3-D volcano image created by Scots scientists

Scientists from the University of Aberdeen have created the world's first 3D thermal image of an active volcano.

Worlds first 3D thermal image of an active volcano - Stromboli - captured by scientists from the University of Aberdeen.

The spectacular image of Stromboli in Italy was made using high-precision cameras mounted to an aerial drone.

The research team’s ultimate aim is to develop a fully automated drone monitoring system that is more accurate, safer and cheaper than current methods, which are unaffordable in developing countries where many of the world’s active volcanoes are located.

It was created by a team of geoscientists from the Universities of Aberdeen and Oslo who are using drone technology to develop a technique detecting subtle changes in the behaviour of the volcano.

This will provide more accurate information on the likelihood of an eruption.

Half a billion people live in the shadows of volcanoes globally, most of those are in the developing world.

Since 1980 27,500 people have been killed by volcanoes.

By 2050 that number is predicted to rise to a billion.

On average, there are 35 major eruptions from the Earth’s 1500 active volcanoes every year.

Professor John Howell, from the University of Aberdeen, said: “Our technique involves using drones to take hundreds of aerial photographs and putting these together to create a 3D model that maps the surface.

“From there we can overlay the model with images from a thermal camera, allowing us to see the thermal structure of the volcano in 3D.

“This thermal structure gives us significant insight into changes in the volcano. If we see certain areas are unexpectedly hot then it might be an early warning sign, especially if the ground has swelled.

“These are very small movements so not easily detectable, but by using the latest high-precision cameras we can notice subtle changes to the volcano that might signal an imminent eruption.

“The ability to deploy a drone really close to a volcano means that as well as getting high precision thermal mapping and imagery, we can also deploy portable seismometers and gas sensors in areas that are too dangerous for people to go.”

Professor Howell said initial research has allowed them to identify key challenges involved in developing a fully automated system, but that the early results are promising.

“Drone technology is moving so fast that we could have a system fully up and running in a few years,” he said. “Being able to send a low cost portable drone unit to any volcano around the world could really revolutionise how we monitor volcanos and be a game-changer for the people who live and work in their shadow.

“Ultimately this technology could help us build a much better idea of how volcanoes behave and in the future could save lives.”