Detecting a mass change inside a volcano by cosmic-ray muon radiography (muography): First results from measurements at Asama volcano, Japan

A visual detection and monitoring of volcanic eruptions is the most essential information. In February 2, 2009, Asama volcano, Japan erupted and a large amount of volcanic ash was ejected from the vent. We have observed the activity at Asama since October 12, 2008. For eruption monitoring we used co...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Geophysical research letters 2009-09, Vol.36 (17), p.np-n/a
Main Authors: Tanaka, Hiroyuki K. M., Uchida, Tomihisa, Tanaka, Manobu, Takeo, Minoru, Oikawa, Jun, Ohminato, Takao, Aoki, Yosuke, Koyama, Etsuro, Tsuji, Hiroshi
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Craters
Earth sciences
Earth, ocean, space
Ejection
Exact sciences and technology
Explosions
Lava
Monitoring
muon
Muons
Radiography
Remote sensing
Scientific apparatus & instruments
Volcanic ash
Volcanic eruptions
volcano
Volcanoes
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Summary:A visual detection and monitoring of volcanic eruptions is the most essential information. In February 2, 2009, Asama volcano, Japan erupted and a large amount of volcanic ash was ejected from the vent. We have observed the activity at Asama since October 12, 2008. For eruption monitoring we used cosmic‐ray muon radiography (muography), a new volcano monitoring system recently developed by Tanaka et al. (2009). We measured a quantitative mass loss inside the crater during the eruption event although no changes were found below the crater. The measured value of 30,780 tons is consistent with a model calculation of volcanic ash flow as observed on February 2, 2009. The obtained radiographic image suggests that a “boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion” occurred and a part of an old lava mound was exploded. This picture is consistent with the analytical result of the volcanic ash ejected on February 2, 2009.
ISSN:0094-8276
1944-8007
DOI:10.1029/2009GL039448