An innovative multi-temporal approach of satellite data analysis, named RST (Robust Satellite Techniques) has been successfully applied to recent eruptions of Etna, Stromboli Merapi, Ulawun and Asamayama volcanoes, showing a high potential in identifying even low intensity anomalous thermal signals that may precede impending eruptions. A recent time domain analysis performed over Mount Etna has shown like a possible thermal precursors of the Mount Etna eruption of 27 October 2002, identified by RST a few days before a new flank eruption, was the only anomalous signal not related to any documented eruptive activity over one year of data analyzed. In this paper, an extended statistical analysis of RST, performed over the Vesuvius (Italy) volcano, analyzing four years of satellite data, is presented. The main aim of this study is the definition of possible critical levels of the satellite thermal signal at this volcano, in order to possibly identify, in a prompt and reliable manner, future slight changes in thermal activity related to new phases of the volcano unrest. The Vesuvius, like the Campi Flegrei (Italy) caldera, although presently not in activity, may pose in fact a serious risk for densely populated neighbour areas, because of its strong explosive character which, as shown in the remote as well as recent past, may generate extremely energetic and dangerous phenomena. Results of this study will be shown and widely analyzed in the following.
LONG-TERM TIME DOMAIN ANALYSIS OF SATELLITE PRODUCTS, RST-BASED,FOR LOW-LEVEL THERMAL ACTIVITY INVESTIGATION IN HIGH RISK VOLCANIC AREAS: THE VESUVIUS (ITALY) CASE
PACIELLO, Rossana;TRAMUTOLI, Valerio
2009-01-01
Abstract
An innovative multi-temporal approach of satellite data analysis, named RST (Robust Satellite Techniques) has been successfully applied to recent eruptions of Etna, Stromboli Merapi, Ulawun and Asamayama volcanoes, showing a high potential in identifying even low intensity anomalous thermal signals that may precede impending eruptions. A recent time domain analysis performed over Mount Etna has shown like a possible thermal precursors of the Mount Etna eruption of 27 October 2002, identified by RST a few days before a new flank eruption, was the only anomalous signal not related to any documented eruptive activity over one year of data analyzed. In this paper, an extended statistical analysis of RST, performed over the Vesuvius (Italy) volcano, analyzing four years of satellite data, is presented. The main aim of this study is the definition of possible critical levels of the satellite thermal signal at this volcano, in order to possibly identify, in a prompt and reliable manner, future slight changes in thermal activity related to new phases of the volcano unrest. The Vesuvius, like the Campi Flegrei (Italy) caldera, although presently not in activity, may pose in fact a serious risk for densely populated neighbour areas, because of its strong explosive character which, as shown in the remote as well as recent past, may generate extremely energetic and dangerous phenomena. Results of this study will be shown and widely analyzed in the following.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
