Santorini volcano rose due to a series of earthquakes

According to satellite data, volcano Santorini He rose, which confirms the rise of the northern part of the Caldra of the volcano.

From the end of the previous crisis in 2011-2012 years Laboratory of applied distance survey and geographical information systems Geological Faculty AFT (Eo.lab) in collaboration with Institute for the Study and Monitoring of the Volcano Santorini (Ιμπης) systematically monitors the activity of the Santorini volcano and, using satellite data Copernicus Sentinel-1made several important observations.

Movements

Using the service SnApping (Surface Motion Mapping), collected valuable data that showed the movements of the surface in the northern part of the Calders of the volcano.

The reliability of these data was confirmed by measurements of local seismological networks and permanent stations GNSS Institute of IMP op.

“We use satellite data of radar Copernicus and calculate earthly movements with an accuracy of millimeters from space “– said in an interview Ape-mp Mikhalis FumelisAssociate Professor of the Faculty of AFT and a member of the Impis.

Mr. Fumelis explains: “Some time ago we found signs of a change in the volcano compared to the previous state of rest. We expected the rest of the Impis networks that something was happening, and, in turn, contacted the relevant authorities, informed them, and all current events began. ”

The same phenomenon in 2011

IN 2011 A year was recorded in the Calder, which lasted 14 months. As Mr. Fumelis says: “Then we also recorded earthly movements with the help of satellites, there was seismic activity, and instrumental measurements showed that the same phenomenon was happening. Then the deformation reached a certain limit, which lasted 14 months – this is not what happens in two days and stops – and at the end, without the subsequent eruption of the volcano, activity stopped and gradually returned to a state of rest ”.

What the satellite data showed

“Each time a radar satellite passes over Santorini, he sends a signal and receives a return signal back. This signal contains information about the distance of the satellite to the ground. Using special processing – technology called radar interferometry -We can track the change in this distance the satellite earth over time. This is not a simple procedure, it is a rather complicated technique that includes advanced algorithms ”, – notes the scientist, explaining the work of the SnApping service available through the platform GEP.

“The satellite passes, collect images, we process them, measure the distance of the satellite, compare with previous dimensions, gradually observing whether there is and when exactly any change occurs, that is, whether the surface of the earth moves up or down. Thus, recently we have discovered that there is a gradual raising of the volcano “, -emphasizes Mr. Fumelis.

Remains one of the most active volcanoes in Europe

He did not expect that the volcano would give such signs again so soon, because in any case “remains one of the most active volcanoes in Europe,” as he says.

“The volcano has been activated many times in historical times, there are notes about soaring, eruptions, outpouring of lava, etc., but we had not previously instrumental measurements of earthly deformation using satellite data, or from GNSS.

We have this data only from the last two activations: in 2011 A year now, so you understand that we do not know exactly at what point the volcano may erupt. We simply observe the development of the phenomenon.

Even greater movements can follow than in 2011 a year, and activity may stop, or at some point a bursting may occur, but we cannot know this with confidence. ”

Can the duration of the phenomenon be as long as in 2011 year?

“Of course, maybe. This does not happen in a week, it began to form a few months ago, so that we are already at a stage that has passed a certain time from the beginning of the phenomenon, and it is logical that it will not stop so sharply, that is, it will continue for some time and gradually begin Return to a state of rest. ”

“There is also the likelihood that deformation and seismicity will continue, and at some point it can lead to eruption,” he added.

“We must learn to live with this, know that there are state bodies, there are scientists who monitor the situation, and we cannot suspend our activities for several months while the volcano is in a state of activity.

And even if an eruption occurs, this does not mean that we will encounter destructive eruptions; There may be a slight eruption that will stop at this. -explains Mr. Fumelis in detail.

He believes that all the information that is going now is very important and will be used by scientists in the future.

“What we fix now is valuable data for the scientific community, because they give us the opportunity to understand how the volcano behaves, that is, what limits of its deformation, how quickly excitation develops and how much time is required to return to a state of peace “ -concludes Mr. Fumelis in his interview for Ape-mp.

Source link