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Deformation monitoring at Clear Lake Volcanic Field

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By Clear Lake Volcanic Field October 3, 2023

When magma moves into a volcanic system, and closer to the surface of the earth, the area surrounding the volcano may move upward and outward.

Continuously recording GPS instruments are the most used type of volcanic deformation-monitoring equipment in the world. 24 satellites, orbiting the Earth twice each day, transmit their position in orbit to receivers on the surface of the Earth. The receivers record vertical and horizontal position, and by comparing these measurements through time, it is possible to determine the amount of movement for a specific location on the surface of the earth. There are currently five GPS receivers that make up continuous deformation monitoring network at Clear Lake volcanic field. 

When magma moves into a volcanic system, and closer to the surface of the earth, the area surrounding the volcano may move upward and outward.

Continuously recording GPS instruments are the most used type of volcanic deformation-monitoring equipment in the world. 24 satellites, orbiting the Earth twice each day, transmit their position in orbit to receivers on the surface of the Earth. The receivers record vertical and horizontal position, and by comparing these measurements through time, it is possible to determine the amount of movement for a specific location on the surface of the earth. There are currently five GPS receivers that make up continuous deformation monitoring network at Clear Lake volcanic field. 

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