Levels of fire activity and severity that are unprecedented in the instrumental record have recently been observed in forested regions around the world. Using a large sample of daily fire events and hourly climate data, here we show that fire activity in all global forest biomes responds strongly and predictably to exceedance of thresholds in atmospheric water demand, as measured by maximum daily vapour pressure deficit. The climatology of vapour pressure deficit can therefore be reliably used to predict forest fire risk under projected future climates.
Mauna Loa volcano began erupting in Moku‘āweoweo Caldera on November 27, 2022. A long-feared Mauna Loa eruption has now disrupted several flights and triggered in an all-hands emergency response. As of now there are no mandatory evacuations in place, but shelters have opened to accommodate those opting to leave voluntarily. The eruption comes after months of elevated earthquake activity at Mauna Loa.
United States Geological Survey (USGS) said in a statement that “lava flows are not threatening any downslope communities and all indications are that the eruption will remain in the Northeast Rift Zone.”
However, the agency warned all residents on Hawaii Island who are “at risk from Mauna Loa lava flows” to “review preparedness and refer to Hawai’i County Civil Defense information for further guidance.” The statement further highlighted that “based on past events, the early stages of a Mauna Loa eruption can be very dynamic and the location and advance of lava flows can change rapidly.”
Mauna Loa, which last erupted in 1984, rises 13,679 feet above sea level. It’s among the five volcanoes that make up Hawaii’s Big Island. This volcano has erupted 33 times since 1843, according to the USGS.
Mauna Loa sits immediately north of Kilauea volcano, which is also erupting – but has a “watch” volcano alert level and orange aviation alert, according to the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. As the Mauna Loa is taller than Kilauea, experts are concerned that it could rush down some of its hillsides faster because of steeper slopes – possibly in a matter of hours.
Volcanic eruptions are a rapidly evolving phenomena, posing difficulties for volcanologists and disaster management agencies to monitor and predict them. However new and innovative remote sensing techniques within the geospatial domain have offered scientists efficient forecasting, monitoring and evaluation tools for this largely destructive natural event.
It has been witnessed that combining ground-based information, satellite data, and AI technologies facilitates long-term monitoring of volcanoes, allowing researchers to have a comprehensive overview of volcanic systems.
Understanding volcanic behavior can help to track warning signs, to forecast volcano eruptions and possible related landslides and tsunamis, and consequently to activate emergency plans in a timely manner.
Volcanologists are now using satellite images which offer better prospects for cost-effective, safe, and consistent monitoring, in comparison to traditional methods. Satellites, are equipped to provide real-time data and are a safer way to collect information as scientists do not need to get near craters and vents to collect data. Thus remote sensing data and the application of geo-spatial technologies have steadily been integrated into real-time volcanic hazard assessment.
Mauna Loa’s eruption is being monitored by remote sensing tools which are offering satellite images of the natural event which has been the talk in US since its eruption began late on November 27 night. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies tweeted a view from the GOES-West Earth observation satellite which showed the volcano’s thermal activity as a riot of yellow and red along with the movement of an ash and debris cloud.
It is reported that the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) is in close consultation with emergency management partners and will be monitoring the volcano closely to provide further updates. Soon HVO will conduct aerial reconnaissance to better assess the hazards.
The USGS is providing complete coverage of the Mauna Loa eruption in its dedicated webpage for this natural event. This platform may be referred for essential information including current Mauna Loa updates, the volcano monitoring data, updated official statements and so on.
Satellite monitoring technology has come a long way since Mauna Loa last erupted. The volcano had been in its longest dormancy phase in recorded history. That stretch of calm has come to an end now. Mauna Loa is awake. Today the geospatial tools available are undoubtedly providing great assistance in the monitoring and managing action plans for this round of its eruption phase.
Sources:
Geospatial World
Provided by the IKCEST Disaster Risk Reduction Knowledge Service System
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