Utilizing thermal imaging on detecting volcanic activity

There are 1,500 potentially active volcanoes in the world. Asia alone has 744 of them. Though it may take a hundred to thousand years before these volcanoes erupt, it is still important to study them and determine the timeframe of their potential eruption. Countries who are situated near the Pacific Ring of Fire are the ones who are always being affected when volcanoes erupt. Aside from the imminent danger that is brought by lava flow, different air pollution is also one of the hazardous effects of an active volcano. That is why many expert geologists are continuously finding ways to measure the current status of every volcanoes that can potentially erupt.

Thermal Energy

One of the primary ways that is utilized to study active volcanoes is through measuring thermal energy. Thermal energy is an energy contained in a system or object that is measurable. It is usually represented by heat and temperature. In relation, volcanoes are known to contain this measurable kinetic energy that is dangerous when incautiously studied. Much of the monitoring activity performed by volcanologists is gathered from thermal imaging mechanisms. Aircraft, satellites, and handheld sensing instruments are some of the most used tools in measuring thermal energy but the most convenient of the three is the handheld instruments. Thermal cameras or Infrared cameras are the most commonly used type of thermal energy measurement tool. Its portable feature makes data measurements to be captured instantly and easily as events unfold in real-time.

How does an IR camera work?

Unlike regular cameras, thermal cameras create images by detecting Infrared energy which an object emits. Volcanoes that are active and emitting lava flows are one the main end-user of this instrument as thermal cameras uses infrared-sensitive sensors that can detect differing temperatures and hot spots.

Remembering Kilauea Volcano

Many volcano monitoring operations have benefitted from using handheld thermal imagers. The monitoring operation for Kilauea volcano, for example, has utilized handheld thermal imagers to instantly determine its volcanic activity. In late April 2018, the volcano started showing signs of increased activity and last May 3, 2018, the first crack (fissure) has started. The activity sparked widespread attention as lava flows and potential destruction on Hawaii circulated amongst the people residing on the island. Since then, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) has conducted several monitoring operations and provided real-time news and information to determine and prepare for an imminent volcanic eruption. With the use of portable thermal imagers, the USGS has collected a variety of critical information and data that provided the foundation for counter acts and lifesaving predictions.

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Thermal imagers are not just utilized for volcanic monitoring activities. It is also widely used for other temperature measurements, especially in factories that require accurate heat signals and levels. Thus, it is essential for any manufacturing and production businesses to have a reliable thermal imaging instrument. Presidium.ph Corporation can provide you just that! As an official distributor of Fluke Calibration products in the country, you can expect us to bring you the most reliable testing instruments you need and guarantee safety for your business operations.

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