Scientists Develop Drone Tools for Volcano Gas Measurements

Scientists are developing gas measurement tools mounted on drones to monitor volcanoes with higher precision and lower risk to personnel. The systems build on drone use that began about 15 years ago for volcano observation. Current efforts focus on collecting data that can support eruption prediction.

Improved sensors would allow repeated flights over active vents to record gas concentrations. Data from these flights could be compared with ground readings to assess changes over time. The approach avoids placing researchers directly in hazardous zones near craters. Officials have not released specific timelines for field deployment of the new tools.

have already been used to photograph and map volcanic terrain.

The shift now centers on adding instruments that quantify emissions linked to underground activity.