USGS/Cascades Volcano Observatory, Vancouver, Washington
DESCRIPTION:
Night-Time Thermal Observations
From:
Brantley and Topinka, 1984, Volcanic Studies at the
U.S.Geological Survey's David A. Johnston Cascades Volcano Observatory,
Vancouver, Washington: Earthquake Information Bulletin, v.16, n.2,
March-April 1984, p.100.
-
Nighttime aerial observations of the
(Mount St. Helens')
lava dome also have been useful in
monitoring volcanic activity. An image intensifier attached to a 35-millimeter
or video camera can detect hot spots on the dome that are not visible to the
naked eye. The intensifier magnifies the glowing spots 20,000 to 40,000 times.
Increased visible glow is sometimes observed a few days before and eruption.
This technique, currently under development, shows promise for monitoring the
dome should work in the crater be curtailed for any reason.
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06/12/98, Lyn Topinka