Volcano observatory
Encyclopedia
A volcano observatory is an institution that conducts research and monitoring of a volcano
Volcano
2. Bedrock3. Conduit 4. Base5. Sill6. Dike7. Layers of ash emitted by the volcano8. Flank| 9. Layers of lava emitted by the volcano10. Throat11. Parasitic cone12. Lava flow13. Vent14. Crater15...

.

Each observatory provides continuous and periodic monitoring of the seismicity
Seismology
Seismology is the scientific study of earthquakes and the propagation of elastic waves through the Earth or through other planet-like bodies. The field also includes studies of earthquake effects, such as tsunamis as well as diverse seismic sources such as volcanic, tectonic, oceanic,...

, other geophysical changes, ground movements, volcanic gas
Volcanic gas
|250px|thumb|right|Image of the [[rhyolitic]] [[lava dome]] of [[Chaitén Volcano]] during its 2008-2010 eruption.Volcanic gases include a variety of substances given off by active volcanoes...

 chemistry, and hydrologic
Hydrology
Hydrology is the study of the movement, distribution, and quality of water on Earth and other planets, including the hydrologic cycle, water resources and environmental watershed sustainability...

 conditions and activity between and during eruptions. They also provide a detailed record of eruptions in progress.

Monitor

These observations serve to characterize eruptive behavior, identify the nature of precursory activity leading to eruption, define the processes by which different types of deposits are emplaced, and specify the hazards that could be unleashed by each kind of eruption. From direct observation of precursory signs, it is possible to anticipate eruptions. In times of volcanic unrest, observatories issue warnings and recommendations - they take on an advisory role for decision-making governmental civil defense agencies (the Federal Emergency Management Agency
Federal Emergency Management Agency
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security, initially created by Presidential Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1978 and implemented by two Executive Orders...

 in the U.S.) and ideally continue producing observational data.

Research

Underlying all observatory operations is an ongoing program of fundamental research in volcanic processes, supplemented by collaborative studies with universities, government agencies (in the U.S. for instance with other US Geological Survey centers, and NOAA), industry and non-governmental organizations. Such research typically includes direct interpretation of the monitoring and eruption data, and it leads to formulation of conceptual models that can be tested by theoretical or laboratory simulations of volcanic systems.

Almost all observatories are members of the World Organization of Volcano Observatories (WOVO). The oldest volcano observatory is the Osservatorio Vesuviano (founded 1841) in Naples, now a member of the Italian government agency INGV.

See also

  • Cascades Volcano Observatory
    Cascades Volcano Observatory
    The David A. Johnston Cascades Volcano Observatory is the volcano observatory that monitors volcanoes in the Cascade Range. It is part of the United States Geological Survey, a scientific agency of the United States government. It is located in Vancouver, Washington in the Portland, Oregon...

  • Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
    Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
    The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is a volcano observatory located at Uwekahuna Bluff on the rim of Kīlauea Caldera on the Island of Hawaii. The observatory monitors four active Hawaiian volcanoes: Kīlauea, Mauna Loa, Hualālai, and Haleakalā...

  • Long Valley Observatory
    Long Valley Observatory
    The Long Valley Observatory is the volcano observatory that monitors the volcanic and geologic activity of the Long Valley Caldera of Eastern California.The volcano observatory is east of the Sierra Nevada in Mono County, California...

  • Southern Andean Volcano Observatory
    Southern Andean Volcano Observatory
    200px|thumb|right|[[Llaima]]'s 2008 eruption as viewed from [[Temuco]]The Southern Andean Volcano Observatory , also known by its acronyms as OVDAS, is a program of the Chilean National Geology and Mining Service to watch the most dangerous volcanoes of the Southern Volcanic Zone in Zona Sur and...

  • Vesuvius Observatory
    Vesuvius Observatory
    The Vesuvius Observatory is the surveillance centre for monitoring the three volcanoes which threaten the Campanian region of Italy: Mount Vesuvius, Campi Flegrei and Ischia. Founded in 1841 on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius , it is the oldest volcanology institute in the world....

  • Volcano warning schemes of the United States

External links

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