Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
7
Figure 7.24
Two infrared
thermometers and one infrared
video camera have been set up to
look into this skylight on an
infl ating pahoehoe fi eld, to record
variations in the rate of fl ow in a
lava tube on Kilauea, Hawaii.
(David A. Rothery, The Open
University, UK.)
7.4.2 Access
You should expect to face considerably greater access
challenges than normal (Section 2.5). Some pristine volcanic
landscapes (especially those where eruptions are rare) are
protected by legislation that restricts access to certain areas.
During an eruption, the authorities may prohibit entry - for
your own safety and also so that resources do not have to be
diverted from protection of local inhabitants. Conversely, on
volcanoes in virtually continuous low-level eruption (e.g.
Stromboli) there may be a well-established system of local
guides, leading tourists on lava-watching hikes. To obtain
permission for a serious scientifi c (rather than touristic) visit to
an active volcano, it is advisable to make contact with any
relevant park authorities or the nearest volcano observatory,
which can be found via the World Organization of Volcano
Observatories (WOVO).
7.4.3 Observations
Techniques involving specialist geophysical and geochemical
equipment for monitoring active volcanoes are beyond the
scope of this topic. However, equipped merely with your own
senses on an erupting volcano you can, for example, log the
times and locations of discrete explosions or measure the speed
of a lava fl ow (throw a rock onto it to act as a marker). Here we
note some observations that can be made safely in young
volcanic terrain when there is NO eruption and NO
LIKELIHOOD of imminent eruption.
