UAV based Measurements of the High Altitude Plume of Manam Volcano

Measuring volcanic gas emissions provides information about the geophysical and geochemical conditions on volcanoes and helps to assess the impact of volcanic plumes on the natural and human environments. It is estimated that nearly 10% of active volcanoes on Earth present central vent emissions related to passive degassing or eruptive activity. Direct manual collection of gas samples provides high-quality data but it is often precluded by difficult or dangerous exposure to active vents. Remote sensing is suitable for integrated emission measurements but limited in sensitivity and in the range of measurable species. Recent progress in UAV platforms and miniaturization of sensors have opened a new frontier for sampling or measurement of volcanic gases close to the vent, without unnecessary exposure for the scientists. Manam volcano is one of the most active and strongest sources of volcanic gases in the …