Perspectives for the radiography of Mt. Vesuvius by cosmic ray muons

Abstract

The measurements performed in Japan have shown that muon radiography is an "imaging technique" capable of providing information of the internal structure of volcanoes with a resolution and richness of details beyond the reach of conventional, non-imaging techniques. The measurements have been performed using electronic detectors or nuclear emulsions. The latter have shown excellent muon tracking capabilities and space resolution, but are lacking of the capability of electronic detectors to provide data in real time. In this paper, we examine the possibility of developing an electronic detector giving a resolution comparable to that of nuclear emulsions and with a larger area than used so far, in order to see deeper structures inside volcanoes in spite of the strong muon absorption in the rock. We specifically discuss the very challenging application of muon radiography to Mt. Vesuvius, driven by the strong social interest coming from the enormous potential danger which it represents. Applications to other volcanoes can be envisaged.

Активизация Авачинского Вулкана В 2019 Г.

“…В связи с этим, изучение Авачинского вулкана в Институте вулканологии и сейсмологии ДВО РАН и КФ ФИЦ ЕГС РАН планомерно проводилось в течение многих лет, однако, для краткосрочного прогноза извержения вулкана с высокой эффективностью необходимо усилить мониторинг геофизических параметров вблизи его постройки. В частности, для контроля процессов, происходящих в верхней части конуса, можно использовать мюонную томографию, по аналогии с тем, как она делается на вулканах Японии и Италии [Buontempo et al, 2010;László Oláh et al, 2018…”

The downward continuation of the tilt angle

“…The oldest part of the Las Cañadas dates back 3.5 Ma (Ancoechea et al 1990), immediately after the formation of a basaltic shield that forms the basement of the island. The only historical eruption in the Teide central volcanic system occurred from the so-called Chahorra or Narices del Teide (1798), an and Tanaka 2010; Tanaka et al 2009a, b ;Buontempo et al 2010;Gibert et al 2010).…”

Effective Solid Angle Model and Monte Carlo Method: Improved Estimations to Measure Cosmic Muon Intensity at Sea Level in All Zenith Angles

“…For example, the penetration depth of 3 GeV muon in water is greater than 10 meters. Cosmic muon tomography is initially devised by Borozdin et al [3] and it is widely used in geotomography [4]- [7], cargo scanning [8]- [12], and nuclear nonproliferation and safeguard through spent nuclear fuel scanning [13]- [19]. In muon tomography, it is important to understand the types of physical interactions between incident cosmic muons and materials of interest in the system.…”