Probe installed in Lagoa das Furnas to monitor the volcanic system
Azores GuideUniversity of the Azores researchers have added continuous water readings from the São Miguel lake to the existing seismic, deformation and gas surveillance.
A multiparameter probe that continuously monitors the water has been installed in Lagoa das Furnas on São Miguel. Researchers from the Institute for Volcanology and Risk Assessment (IVAR) of the University of the Azores and the Azores Seismovolcanic Information and Surveillance Centre (CIVISA) coordinated the installation last week.
The probe measures physical and chemical parameters of the water with seven sensors. It sends the data over the GSM network directly to CIVISA at the University of the Azores.
According to IVAR, the lake is part of an active volcanic system in which hydrothermal processes can influence the water. The institute says the readings will produce high-resolution time series that show patterns of variability and possible changes in the water.
The researchers say that changes confirmed by other surveillance indicators could help in issuing alerts and in assessing changes in the activity of the Furnas volcanic system. The probe adds to existing real-time data on seismicity, crustal deformation and volcanic gases.
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Azores Guide
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