Measurement and Exploration in Volcanic Environments

Volcanic environments are a challenging application for UAVs. About 10 % of the world's population lives in areas directly threatened by volcanoes, and scientists are continuously asked to perform measurements and also to better forecast volcanic activity. This chapter describes the importance of the study of volcanoes and the typical aerial measures that could be usefully executed. The main forms of measurement concern the collection of visual/thermal images and gas analysis and sampling. The specific advantages offered by the use of UAVs in comparison with manned solutions are discussed in terms of cost, simplicity, and readiness to operate. Then an overview of the major worldwide projects carried out in the last few years by several research organizations is summarized and discussed.