DR EMMA NICHOLSON
VOLCANOLOGIST
A scientific expedition to Antarctica
Sometimes unexpected opportunities appear that you simply have to run with because you know that you may never get another chance. I had the unique opportunity to travel south to Antarctica as a visiting scientist on board the National Geographic Resolution.
Continue readingSCIENTIFIC TOOLKIT
Emma employs a range of specialised tools and instruments to study volcanoes and monitor their activity. These tools help gather data on various volcanic processes and provide valuable insights into volcanic behaviour.
(top) Volcán de Fuego, Guatemala;
(bottom left and right) Fagradalsfjall, Iceland.
Gas Analysers
Volcanoes release gases including sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide. Ultraviolet cameras and spectrometers use sunlight passing through the volcanic gas cloud to measure the composition and quantity of gases being emitted to the atmosphere. These data are a key element in eruption forecasting, as volcanic gases can indicate the arrival of new magma beneath a volcano, and also in assessing hazards related to air quality.
Seismometers
Earthquakes generate ground vibrations in the form of seismic waves that are detected and recorded by buried sensors. The frequency, type and location of earthquakes provide crucial information on magma movement, gas release and rock fracturing, all of which can track the ascent of magma towards the surface ahead of an eruption.
Infrared cameras
By detecting heat anomalies, Emma and her team can identify areas of elevated volcanic activity, such as lava flows or hot fumaroles (gas vents). Measuring changes in temperature over time at these gas vents is a valuable monitoring tool, whilst heat imaging during active lava flows helps with emergency management and the creation of hazard maps.
Ash samplers
Volcanic ash is made up of tiny fragments of broken magma. Ash samplers, such as filters, are used to collect ash particles for detailed laboratory measurements of their size, shape and chemistry. Analysing these magma fragments provides important clues about what triggered an eruption and also the potential hazards to aviation, health and the environment from airborne ash.
Ground-based and satellite remote sensing
Remote sensing techniques, including satellite imagery and radar, enable volcanologists to study changes in volcanic activity at the global scale and detect volcanoes showing new signs of unrest. These observations from space help to map volcanic structures, identify new “hotspots”, detect movement of the Earth’s surface, and monitor the transport of ash and gas in the atmosphere.
Even high risk can be tolerated and mitigated if decision-making is underpinned by data, based on a strong foundation of knowledge and experience, and includes input from all individuals and agencies involved.”
De-risking the impossible
Why the need to get so close?
Some measurements need to be made as close to the volcanic vent as possible, and this is especially important when sampling volcanic gases. As soon as these gases mix with the atmosphere they are diluted and can change their chemistry. Emma needs to capture them at high temperature to get the most accurate information.
Emma collects gas measurements from inside the crater shortly after the end of the La Palma eruption. She needs to wear a gas mask to protect herself from the toxic gases and a helmet in case of falling rocks.
Emma prepares to pilot a multi-rotor drone equipped with gas sensors over an active vent of Stromboli volcano, Italy.
Drone technology
Drones enable Emma and her team to gather real-time data from areas that were previously inaccessible or dangerous for her. She has learned through experience that volcanic activity can change rapidly and unexpectedly, potentially placing her in danger. By developing new sensors that are smaller and lighter, and working with engineers to create drones that are more resistant and more stable, Emma is now able to collect gas measurements from right inside volcanic vents from a safe distance, sometimes from up to ten kilometres away.
Teamwork and
communication
Keeping people safe from volcanoes, whilst working safely in this environment yourself, requires good communication not only within your team but also with emergency managers, local monitoring agencies, and the media.
Community
engagement
Developing effective resilience to volcanic hazards requires long-term commitment to identify areas of greatest exposure and work directly with the communities most at risk. Building these relationships before eruption crises rather than in direct response to them is crucial.
EMMA'S RESEARCH
Emma has worked at and published research on many volcanoes globally, all of which have informed and shaped her perspective on risk.
Research conducted
Eruption response assessing the impacts of the volcanic activity on regional air quality.
Research conducted
Initiated a collaborative citizen science programme for volcanic ash sampling spanning multiple years.
Research conducted
Assessing the societal and environmental impacts of persistent volcanic gas emissions on local communities.
Research conducted
Volcanic gas sampling from lava lake volcano, including the earliest trials of drone-based sensor equipment.
Research conducted
Eruption response deploying drone technology for operational measurements of the volcanic gas chemistry.
Research conducted
Volcanic gas measurements at individual active vents using drones to compare passive and explosive emissions.
Research conducted
Lava sampling from molten lava pools using highly experimental rope and pulley system suspended across the 300 m wide crater.
Research conducted
Developing custom technology for long-range volcanic gas measurements using fixed-wing drones capable of flying beyond visual line of sight.
EMMA'S RESEARCH
Emma has worked at and published research on many volcanoes globally, all of which have informed and shaped her perspective on risk.
I need to get as close as I can to a volcano. Too close and I risk being injured by volcanic bombs. Not close enough and the data I collect will be useless”
Stromboli - Italy