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UAS-Based Observations of Infrasound Directionality at Stromboli Volcano, Italy

April 12, 2023

Infrasound (low frequency sound waves) can be used to monitor and characterize volcanic eruptions. However, infrasound sensors are usually placed on the ground, thus providing a limited sampling of the acoustic radiation pattern that can bias source size estimates. We present observations of explosive eruptions from a novel uncrewed aircraft system (UAS)-based infrasound sensor platform that was strategically hovered near the active vents of Stromboli volcano, Italy. We captured eruption infrasound from short-duration explosions and jetting events. While potential vertical directionality was inconclusive for the short-duration explosion, we find that jetting events exhibit vertical sound directionality that was observed with a UAS close to vertical. This directionality would not have been observed using only traditional deployments of ground-based infrasound sensors, but is consistent with jet noise theory. This proof-of-concept study provides unique information that can improve our ability to characterize and quantify the directionality of volcanic eruptions and their associated hazards.

Publication Year 2023
Title UAS-Based Observations of Infrasound Directionality at Stromboli Volcano, Italy
DOI 10.1029/2023GL102905
Authors Alexandra M. Iezzi, Richard M. Buzard, David Fee, Robin S. Matoza, Julia E. Gestrich, Arthur Din Jolly, Markus Schmid, Valeria Cigala, Ulrich Kueppers, Caron E.J. Vossen, Corrado Cimarelli, Giorgio Lacanna, Maurizio Ripepe
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Geophysical Research Letters
Index ID 70242756
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Volcano Science Center