Weatherwatch: How UK firm’s low-cost tech can warn of volcanic eruptions
Summary
A UK company called VolcanoTech has developed a low-cost sensor to detect volcanic eruptions by measuring sulphur dioxide gas levels. Their device uses a modified smartphone camera and a small computer to monitor volcanic gases, making early warnings more affordable for communities at risk.Key Facts
- Rising magma releases sulphur dioxide gas, which can signal a volcanic eruption.
- VolcanoTech created a device called Pi-cam that uses a smartphone camera altered to see ultraviolet light.
- The Pi-cam measures the brightness of this ultraviolet light to detect sulphur dioxide levels.
- The system uses a Raspberry Pi, a small and inexpensive computer, to analyze the data.
- Their sensor networks cost much less than traditional volcanic gas detection systems.
- VolcanoTech’s sensors are already installed in Ecuador, Chile, Mexico, and Indonesia.
- There are plans to install sensors in Costa Rica and Argentina soon.
- Such affordable sensor networks could improve monitoring of both air quality and volcanic activity worldwide.
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