The USGS periodically analyzes volcanic gases and hot springs at Clear Lake volcanic field during ground-based campaigns.
Volcanic gases produce the driving force that causes most volcanic eruptions. Deep in the earth, they are dissolved in magma, but as pressure decreases when magma rises to the surface, gases separate from the liquid. Because gas is less dense than magma, it may rise more quickly and be detected at the surface of the earth. Increased gas output or appearance of new gas vents at a volcano can be some of the first signs that magma is moving nearer to the surface.
The most commonly analyzed volcanic gases in the plume of a volcano are carbon dioxide (CO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). By monitoring the relative abundances of these gas types, scientists may be able to infer magmamovement through the volcanic system. Gas monitoring can either be conducted close to the source in ground-based campaigns or from a distance using remote sensing.
The USGS periodically analyzes volcanic gases and hot springs at Clear Lake volcanic field during ground-based campaigns.
The USGS periodically analyzes volcanic gases and hot springs at Clear Lake volcanic field during ground-based campaigns.
Volcanic gases produce the driving force that causes most volcanic eruptions. Deep in the earth, they are dissolved in magma, but as pressure decreases when magma rises to the surface, gases separate from the liquid. Because gas is less dense than magma, it may rise more quickly and be detected at the surface of the earth. Increased gas output or appearance of new gas vents at a volcano can be some of the first signs that magma is moving nearer to the surface.
The most commonly analyzed volcanic gases in the plume of a volcano are carbon dioxide (CO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). By monitoring the relative abundances of these gas types, scientists may be able to infer magmamovement through the volcanic system. Gas monitoring can either be conducted close to the source in ground-based campaigns or from a distance using remote sensing.
The USGS periodically analyzes volcanic gases and hot springs at Clear Lake volcanic field during ground-based campaigns.