M. Ramsey, Department of Geology and Planetary Science, 200 SRCC Building, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260

Silicic domes preserve an enormous quantity of information on the pressure, temperature, flow rate, and degassing state of an active volcanic system. Domes can also change dramatically over a short period of time signaling an increased hazard risk due to the potential of collapse and the generation of ash and pyroclastic flows. Remotely acquired thermal infrared data (TIR) of domes and their lavas provide unique insights into these processes, however the quantitative extraction of parameters needed for emplacement models has not been accomplished to a large degree. Numerous techniques for the mapping, monitoring, and modeling of lava domes have been developed, but much of that work focused on older inactive domes. New infrared sensors, with higher spatial and/or temporal resolution have made it possible to collect detailed data of active domes. For example, the ASTER instrument has the first multispectral TIR capability from space, which is critical for monitoring low temperature anomalies as well as mapping both chemical and textural variations on the surface. However, the higher spatial resolution and relatively long repeat time preclude ASTER from being used for near-real time eruption monitoring. For this the Alaska Volcano Observatory relies on the AVHRR sensor, which captures 1 km TIR data in two bands every 1-6 hours at the latitudes north of 50 degrees. A new NASA project is now underway that will link these two sensors in an autonomous way in order to capture all phases of an active eruption.

The foundation for this new program was the analysis of ASTER TIR data for numerous silicic lava domes on the Kamchatkan Peninsula of Russia since early 2000. The focus here is on the vigorously-active andesitic dome at Bezymianny Volcano. ASTER was used in conjunction with the higher temporal resolution data of the AVHRR sensor to detect the eruption onset and then to map the temperature, composition, and surface texture of the volcanic products deposited after each Bezymianny eruption. This information is now being used to better constrain the modeling of the dome in preparation for a field campaign to Kamchatka in the summer of 2004. Field-based temperature and IR spectroscopy will complement the space- and laboratory-based analyses, and allow a more complete understanding of lava dome emplacement processes as seen in the infrared.

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Submitted: Annual Meeting of the Geological/Mineralogical Association of Canada
Date: May 12 - 14, 2004