Scientists temporarily deploy instruments to collect ground-based magnetotelluric (MT) data

During July, HVO staff and collaborators install temporary instruments to collect magnetotelluric (MT) data on Kīlauea. At each location, electrodes, induction-coil magnetometers, and data loggers are deployed for about a month. This photo shows a magnetometer in the foreground being buried in a narrow and shallow trench to minimize wind noise. The electrode is connected to a data logger, located in a grey box in the background.  Electrode lines run orthogonally out from the site center to distances of approximately 50 m (164 ft). USGS photo by M. Cappos.