HVO's geochemist uses a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) instrument to track volcanic gases emitted from the lava lake with Halema‘uma‘u Crater. These measurements help detect changes in gas composition, which can provide insight into the inner workings of Kīlauea Volcano.
How are volcanic gases measured?
Instruments to measure sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide can be mounted in aircraft to determine the quantity of gas being emitted on a daily basis. Such instruments can also be used in a ground-based mode. An instrument that detects carbon dioxide can be installed on a volcano and configured to send data continuously via radio to an observatory. Sulfur dioxide in volcanic clouds can also be measured from space with instruments aboard satellites.
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Related Content
Why is it important to monitor volcanoes?
There are 161 potentially active volcanoes in the United States. According to a 2018 USGS assessment , 57 volcanoes are a high threat or very high threat to public safety. Many of these volcanoes have erupted in the recent past and will erupt again in the foreseeable future. As populations increase, areas near volcanoes are being developed and aviation routes are increasing. As a result, more...
Is it dangerous to work on volcanoes? What precautions do scientists take?
Volcanoes are inherently beautiful places where forces of nature combine to produce awesome events and spectacular landscapes. For volcanologists, they're FUN to work on! Safety is, however, always the primary concern because volcanoes can be dangerous places. USGS scientists try hard to understand the risk inherent in any situation, then train and equip themselves with the tools and support...
How can we tell when a volcano will erupt?
Most volcanoes provide warnings before an eruption. Magmatic eruptions involve the rise of magma toward the surface, which normally generates detectable earthquakes. It can also deform the ground surface and cause anomalous heat flow or changes in the temperature and chemistry of the groundwater and spring waters. Steam-blast eruptions, however, can occur with little or no warning as superheated...
Lava sampling: Why do we do it?
Hot lava samples provide important information about what's going on in a volcano's magma chambers. We know from laboratory experiments that the more magnesium there is in magma, the hotter it is. Chemical analysis, therefore, provides the means not only to determine the crystallization history of lava but also to establish the temperature at which it was erupted. For example, Kilauea's 1997 lavas...
Who monitors volcanic gases emitted by Kīlauea and how is it done?
The U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) determines the amount and composition of gases emitted by Kīlauea Volcano. Changes in gas emissions can reveal important clues about the inner workings of a volcano, so they are measured on a regular basis. HVO scientists use both remote and direct sampling techniques to measure compositions and emission rates of gas from Kīlauea...
What gases are emitted by Kīlauea and other active volcanoes?
Ninety-nine percent of the gas molecules emitted during a volcanic eruption are water vapor (H 2 O), carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), and sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ). The remaining one percent is comprised of small amounts of hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen fluoride, and other minor gas species. Learn more: Volcanic gases can be harmful to health, vegetation and infrastructure
HVO's geochemist uses a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) instrument to track volcanic gases emitted from the lava lake with Halema‘uma‘u Crater. These measurements help detect changes in gas composition, which can provide insight into the inner workings of Kīlauea Volcano.
USGS geologist Laura Clor (right) and Rachel Teasdale (California State University – Chico, left) collect gas samples from a thermal feature at Sulphur Works in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
USGS geologist Laura Clor (right) and Rachel Teasdale (California State University – Chico, left) collect gas samples from a thermal feature at Sulphur Works in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
USGS geologist Deborah Bergfeld collects a gas sample from a superheated (hotter than the boiling point) fumarole in Little Hot Springs Valley at Lassen Volcanic National Park.
USGS geologist Deborah Bergfeld collects a gas sample from a superheated (hotter than the boiling point) fumarole in Little Hot Springs Valley at Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Geochemist Jeff Sutton and CSAV international volcanology students visit a continuous gas monitoring site on Kilauea's east rift zone during field studies portion of the summer training course.
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Geochemist Jeff Sutton and CSAV international volcanology students visit a continuous gas monitoring site on Kilauea's east rift zone during field studies portion of the summer training course.
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Geochemist Jeff Sutton and CSAV international volcanology students visit a continuous gas monitoring site on Kilauea's east rift zone during field studies portion of the summer training course.
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Geochemist Jeff Sutton and CSAV international volcanology students visit a continuous gas monitoring site on Kilauea's east rift zone during field studies portion of the summer training course.
Since the opening of the Overlook vent in Halema‘uma‘u Crater in 2008, FTIR spectroscopy has been used to monitor summit eruptive-gas composition. Infrared energy emitted by the lava lake surface (top left) is absorbed by gases present in the path between the instrument and the lak surface.
Since the opening of the Overlook vent in Halema‘uma‘u Crater in 2008, FTIR spectroscopy has been used to monitor summit eruptive-gas composition. Infrared energy emitted by the lava lake surface (top left) is absorbed by gases present in the path between the instrument and the lak surface.
The erupting vent within Halema'uma'u Crater at Kilauea's summit (see http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/kilauea/timeline/ for links describing eruptive activity at the summit of Kilauea Volcano) typically produces a white to gray gas plume dominated by steam.
The erupting vent within Halema'uma'u Crater at Kilauea's summit (see http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/kilauea/timeline/ for links describing eruptive activity at the summit of Kilauea Volcano) typically produces a white to gray gas plume dominated by steam.
A gas plume arising from Augustine Volcano during it's eruptive phase 2005-06. This photo was taken during a FLIR/maintenance flight on January 24, 2006.
A gas plume arising from Augustine Volcano during it's eruptive phase 2005-06. This photo was taken during a FLIR/maintenance flight on January 24, 2006.
USGS geologists gathered samples by hand from vents on the dome and crater floor. Additionally, sulfur dioxide gas was measured from a specially equipped airplane before, during, and after eruptions to determine "emission rates" for the volcano.
USGS geologists gathered samples by hand from vents on the dome and crater floor. Additionally, sulfur dioxide gas was measured from a specially equipped airplane before, during, and after eruptions to determine "emission rates" for the volcano.
Taryn Lopez measuring the temperature of gas emissions near summit of Augustine Volcano.
Taryn Lopez measuring the temperature of gas emissions near summit of Augustine Volcano.
ARRA-funded student Taryn Lopez (Univ. Alaska-Fairbanks) sampling gas emissions at fumarole next to dome at the summit of Augustine volcano.
ARRA-funded student Taryn Lopez (Univ. Alaska-Fairbanks) sampling gas emissions at fumarole next to dome at the summit of Augustine volcano.
Kilauea's active summit vent is on the southeast side of Halema'uma'u Crater. In this photo, the floor of Halema'uma'u stretches out beyond the vent, and the summit of Kilauea Volcano is at upper right. The observation tower at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is the highest bump in the photo at Kilauea's summit.
Kilauea's active summit vent is on the southeast side of Halema'uma'u Crater. In this photo, the floor of Halema'uma'u stretches out beyond the vent, and the summit of Kilauea Volcano is at upper right. The observation tower at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is the highest bump in the photo at Kilauea's summit.
U.S. Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program—Assess, forecast, prepare, engage
Using SO2 camera imagery and seismicity to examine degassing and gas accumulation at Kīlauea Volcano, May 2010
Characteristics of Hawaiian volcanoes
Volcano hazards: A national threat
Impacts of volcanic gases on climate, the environment, and people
Volcanic gases create air pollution on the Island of Hawai’i
Related Content
- FAQ
Why is it important to monitor volcanoes?
There are 161 potentially active volcanoes in the United States. According to a 2018 USGS assessment , 57 volcanoes are a high threat or very high threat to public safety. Many of these volcanoes have erupted in the recent past and will erupt again in the foreseeable future. As populations increase, areas near volcanoes are being developed and aviation routes are increasing. As a result, more...
Is it dangerous to work on volcanoes? What precautions do scientists take?
Volcanoes are inherently beautiful places where forces of nature combine to produce awesome events and spectacular landscapes. For volcanologists, they're FUN to work on! Safety is, however, always the primary concern because volcanoes can be dangerous places. USGS scientists try hard to understand the risk inherent in any situation, then train and equip themselves with the tools and support...
How can we tell when a volcano will erupt?
Most volcanoes provide warnings before an eruption. Magmatic eruptions involve the rise of magma toward the surface, which normally generates detectable earthquakes. It can also deform the ground surface and cause anomalous heat flow or changes in the temperature and chemistry of the groundwater and spring waters. Steam-blast eruptions, however, can occur with little or no warning as superheated...
Lava sampling: Why do we do it?
Hot lava samples provide important information about what's going on in a volcano's magma chambers. We know from laboratory experiments that the more magnesium there is in magma, the hotter it is. Chemical analysis, therefore, provides the means not only to determine the crystallization history of lava but also to establish the temperature at which it was erupted. For example, Kilauea's 1997 lavas...
Who monitors volcanic gases emitted by Kīlauea and how is it done?
The U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) determines the amount and composition of gases emitted by Kīlauea Volcano. Changes in gas emissions can reveal important clues about the inner workings of a volcano, so they are measured on a regular basis. HVO scientists use both remote and direct sampling techniques to measure compositions and emission rates of gas from Kīlauea...
What gases are emitted by Kīlauea and other active volcanoes?
Ninety-nine percent of the gas molecules emitted during a volcanic eruption are water vapor (H 2 O), carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), and sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ). The remaining one percent is comprised of small amounts of hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen fluoride, and other minor gas species. Learn more: Volcanic gases can be harmful to health, vegetation and infrastructure
- Multimedia
High-tech instruments track volcanic gases at KīlaueaHigh-tech instruments track volcanic gases at Kīlauea
HVO's geochemist uses a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) instrument to track volcanic gases emitted from the lava lake with Halema‘uma‘u Crater. These measurements help detect changes in gas composition, which can provide insight into the inner workings of Kīlauea Volcano.
HVO's geochemist uses a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) instrument to track volcanic gases emitted from the lava lake with Halema‘uma‘u Crater. These measurements help detect changes in gas composition, which can provide insight into the inner workings of Kīlauea Volcano.
Collecting Gas at a Boiling PoolUSGS geologist Laura Clor (right) and Rachel Teasdale (California State University – Chico, left) collect gas samples from a thermal feature at Sulphur Works in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
USGS geologist Laura Clor (right) and Rachel Teasdale (California State University – Chico, left) collect gas samples from a thermal feature at Sulphur Works in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Collecting Gas Sample at a FumaroleUSGS geologist Deborah Bergfeld collects a gas sample from a superheated (hotter than the boiling point) fumarole in Little Hot Springs Valley at Lassen Volcanic National Park.
USGS geologist Deborah Bergfeld collects a gas sample from a superheated (hotter than the boiling point) fumarole in Little Hot Springs Valley at Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Monitoring Volcanic Gases on Kilauea's East Rift ZoneMonitoring Volcanic Gases on Kilauea's East Rift ZoneHawaiian Volcano Observatory Geochemist Jeff Sutton and CSAV international volcanology students visit a continuous gas monitoring site on Kilauea's east rift zone during field studies portion of the summer training course.
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Geochemist Jeff Sutton and CSAV international volcanology students visit a continuous gas monitoring site on Kilauea's east rift zone during field studies portion of the summer training course.
Monitoring Volcanic Gases on Kilauea's East Rift Zone IIMonitoring Volcanic Gases on Kilauea's East Rift Zone IIHawaiian Volcano Observatory Geochemist Jeff Sutton and CSAV international volcanology students visit a continuous gas monitoring site on Kilauea's east rift zone during field studies portion of the summer training course.
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Geochemist Jeff Sutton and CSAV international volcanology students visit a continuous gas monitoring site on Kilauea's east rift zone during field studies portion of the summer training course.
Measuring volcanic gases with a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) s...Measuring volcanic gases with a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) s...Since the opening of the Overlook vent in Halema‘uma‘u Crater in 2008, FTIR spectroscopy has been used to monitor summit eruptive-gas composition. Infrared energy emitted by the lava lake surface (top left) is absorbed by gases present in the path between the instrument and the lak surface.
Since the opening of the Overlook vent in Halema‘uma‘u Crater in 2008, FTIR spectroscopy has been used to monitor summit eruptive-gas composition. Infrared energy emitted by the lava lake surface (top left) is absorbed by gases present in the path between the instrument and the lak surface.
Halema'uma'u Gas Plume Variations (November 17, 2008)Halema'uma'u Gas Plume Variations (November 17, 2008)Halema'uma'u Gas Plume Variations (November 17, 2008)The erupting vent within Halema'uma'u Crater at Kilauea's summit (see http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/kilauea/timeline/ for links describing eruptive activity at the summit of Kilauea Volcano) typically produces a white to gray gas plume dominated by steam.
The erupting vent within Halema'uma'u Crater at Kilauea's summit (see http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/kilauea/timeline/ for links describing eruptive activity at the summit of Kilauea Volcano) typically produces a white to gray gas plume dominated by steam.
A gas plume arising from Augustine Volcano during it's eruptive phase 2005-06.A gas plume arising from Augustine Volcano during it's eruptive phase 2005-06.A gas plume arising from Augustine Volcano during it's eruptive phase 2005-06. This photo was taken during a FLIR/maintenance flight on January 24, 2006.
A gas plume arising from Augustine Volcano during it's eruptive phase 2005-06. This photo was taken during a FLIR/maintenance flight on January 24, 2006.
Gas Sampling around the Mount St. Helens DomeUSGS geologists gathered samples by hand from vents on the dome and crater floor. Additionally, sulfur dioxide gas was measured from a specially equipped airplane before, during, and after eruptions to determine "emission rates" for the volcano.
USGS geologists gathered samples by hand from vents on the dome and crater floor. Additionally, sulfur dioxide gas was measured from a specially equipped airplane before, during, and after eruptions to determine "emission rates" for the volcano.
Taryn Lopez Measuring Temperature of Gas EmissionsTaryn Lopez Measuring Temperature of Gas EmissionsTaryn Lopez measuring the temperature of gas emissions near summit of Augustine Volcano.
Taryn Lopez measuring the temperature of gas emissions near summit of Augustine Volcano.
ARRA-funded Student Sampling Gas at Augustine VolcanoARRA-funded Student Sampling Gas at Augustine VolcanoARRA-funded student Taryn Lopez (Univ. Alaska-Fairbanks) sampling gas emissions at fumarole next to dome at the summit of Augustine volcano.
ARRA-funded student Taryn Lopez (Univ. Alaska-Fairbanks) sampling gas emissions at fumarole next to dome at the summit of Augustine volcano.
Halema'uma'u Vent Gas PlumeKilauea's active summit vent is on the southeast side of Halema'uma'u Crater. In this photo, the floor of Halema'uma'u stretches out beyond the vent, and the summit of Kilauea Volcano is at upper right. The observation tower at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is the highest bump in the photo at Kilauea's summit.
Kilauea's active summit vent is on the southeast side of Halema'uma'u Crater. In this photo, the floor of Halema'uma'u stretches out beyond the vent, and the summit of Kilauea Volcano is at upper right. The observation tower at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is the highest bump in the photo at Kilauea's summit.
- Publications
U.S. Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program—Assess, forecast, prepare, engage
At least 170 volcanoes in 12 States and 2 territories have erupted in the past 12,000 years and have the potential to erupt again. Consequences of eruptions from U.S. volcanoes can extend far beyond the volcano’s immediate area. Many aspects of our daily life are vulnerable to volcano hazards, including air travel, regional power generation and transmission infrastructure, interstate transportatioAuthorsWendy K. Stovall, Aleeza M. Wilkins, Charlie Mandeville, Carolyn L. DriedgerUsing SO2 camera imagery and seismicity to examine degassing and gas accumulation at Kīlauea Volcano, May 2010
SO2 camera measurements at Kīlauea Volcano, Hawaii, in May of 2010 captured two occurrences of lava lake rise and fall within the Halema'um'au Crater summit vent. During high lava stands we observed diminished SO2 emission rates and decreased seismic tremor. Similar events at Kīlauea have been described as the result of sporadic degassing following gas accumulation beneath a mostly impermeable lavAuthorsPatricia A Nadeau, Cynthia A. Werner, Gregory P. Waite, Simon A Carn, Ian D Brewer, Tamar Elias, Andrew Sutton, Christoph KernCharacteristics of Hawaiian volcanoes
Founded in 1912 at the edge of the caldera of Kīlauea Volcano, HVO was the vision of Thomas A. Jaggar, Jr., a geologist from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, whose studies of natural disasters around the world had convinced him that systematic, continuous observations of seismic and volcanic activity were needed to better understand—and potentially predict—earthquakes and volcanic eruptiVolcano hazards: A national threat
When the violent energy of a volcano is unleashed, the results are often catastrophic. The risks to life, property, and infrastructure from volcanoes are escalating as more and more people live, work, play, and travel in volcanic regions. Since 1980, 45 eruptions and 15 cases of notable volcanic unrest have occurred at 33 U.S. volcanoes. Lava flows, debris avalanches, and explosive blasts have invAuthorsImpacts of volcanic gases on climate, the environment, and people
Gases from volcanoes give rise to numerous impacts on climate, the environment, and people. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists are inventorying gas emissions at many of the almost 70 active volcanoes in the United States. This effort helps build a better understanding of the dynamic processes at work on the Earth's surface and is contributing important new information on how volcanic emissioAuthorsKenneth A. McGee, Michael P. Doukas, Richard Kessler, Terrence M. GerlachVolcanic gases create air pollution on the Island of Hawai’i
In a handful of molten magma weighing about a pound, there is less than a tenth of an ounce, by weight, of idssolved gas-roughly the same weight as a pinch of table salt. Yet this tiny amount of gas produces spectacular lava foundations hundreds of meters high (see accompanying photograph). The fountain occurs as magma reaches the surface, because dissolved volcanic gases exolve and expand tremendAuthorsJ. Sutton, T. Elias - News