Volcanological applications of unoccupied aircraft systems (UAS): Developments, strategies, and future challenges

Abstract

Unoccupied aircraft systems (UAS) are developing into fundamental tools for tackling the grand challenges in volcanology; here, we review the systems used and their diverse applications. UAS can typically provide image and topographic data at two orders of magnitude better spatial resolution than space-based remote sensing, and close-range observations at temporal resolutions down to those of video frame rates. Responsive deployments facilitate dense time-series measurements, unique opportunities for geophysical surveys, sample collection from hostile environments such as volcanic plumes and crater lakes, and emergency deployment of ground-based sensors (and robots) into hazardous regions. UAS have already been used to support hazard management and decisionmakers during eruptive crises. As technologies advance, increased system capabilities, autonomy, and availabilitysupported by more diverse and lighter-weight sensors-will offer unparalleled potential for hazard monitoring. UAS are expected to provide opportunities for pivotal advances in our understanding of complex physical and chemical volcanic processes. Non-technical SummaryUnoccupied aircraft systems (UAS) are developing into essential tools for understanding and monitoring volcanoes. UAS can typically provide much more detailed imagery and 3-D maps of the Earth's surface, and more frequently, than satellites are able to. They can also make measurements and collect samples for geochemical analysis from hazardous regions such as volcanic plumes and near active vents. Through being quick to deploy, they offer key advantages during initial stages of volcano unrest as well as throughout eruptions. Data from UAS have already been used to support hazard management and decision-makers during crises. In the future, UAS will become increasingly capable of flying longer and more complex missions, more autonomously and with more sophisticated sensors, and are likely to become key components of broader sensor networks for monitoring and research.

Validation of a New UAV Magnetic Prospecting Tool for Volcano Monitoring and Geohazard Assessment

“…Airborne geophysical measurements can be carried out using this technology and can perform fast and safer prospecting in sensitive and dangerous contexts prone to volcanic activity. A review of UAVs used for geohazard response is provided by [1] and more specifically for volcanological applications by [2]. Among the issues addressed by the UAVs is the fundamental need to image the structure of a volcano in detail by mapping pre-existing structures, as well as characterizing the active ones and their manifestations at various scales (e.g., intrusions at depth, lava flows, fissures and domes, collapse structures, and associated deformation; see [2] and references therein).…”

BVLOS UAS Operations in Highly-Turbulent Volcanic Plumes

“…The application of instrumented small UAS (Unoccupied Aerial Systems), or alternatively “drones,” has had a transformational influence on volcanological research over the past decade, particularly in recent years where the miniaturization of scientific instrumentation has begun to approach the rapid progression of UAS technology (Jordan, 2019 ; James et al, 2020 ). Driven largely by the consumer market, UAS control systems and hardware have now advanced to the point where relatively little training is required to operate multi-rotor platforms equipped with complex sensors.…”

UAS-based tracking of the Santiaguito Lava Dome, Guatemala

“…To overcome some of these challenges, Unoccupied Aircraft Systems (UASs) have been increasingly used in the observation of volcanic activity 29,30 . This is due to their increased ease of use, refinements in flight technology, capacity to carry large sensors, and improvements in flight durations and distances.…”