Scientists from the University of Costa Rica have developed a low-cost unmanned aircraft to monitor steam emissions and other atmospheric markers at Costa Rica’s Aranel Volcano. The last serious eruption was in 1998, although the steady emission of steam is a constant reminder of its potential to erupt again.
Cicanum Researcher Dr. Javier Bonatti and electrical engineer Leandro Garcia developed a quadro-copter which is programmed to fly over volcano craters looking for signs of increased volcanic activity.
Bonetti says it’s ideally suited to the needs and budget of developing nations like Costa Rica. “Firstly, these investigations can be carried out using satellite images or photographs taken from aerial transported platforms but the costs are very high. This allows us to take a more detailed look of the phenomenon at a very low cost, which only includes the cost of the helicopter.”
The UAS four rotors provide stability as it gathers data with onboard cameras, and equipment designed to detect the presence of gases such as carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide. Any increase in gas levels detected after long-term monitoring, could indicate an imminent eruption, and give authorities more time than ever before, to warn nearby communities.
Leandro Garcia says that the UAS has yet more potential. “We would also like to adapt temperature, acidity and humidity sensors to the helicopter because it has USB ports which allow us to connect these devices.”
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Unmanned aircraft are becoming indispensible tools in many branches of environmental science. Bonatti and Garcia say that in their particular branch, the UAS could be the difference between life and death for those living in the danger zone.
Source: NTD