Gas and Thermal Emissions of Volcanoes

Remote sensing techniques have greatly enhanced our understanding of volcanic processes and hazards by providing valuable data on volcanic activity from a safe distance. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of current remote sensing techniques, state-of-the art instrumentation and challenges in remote sensing of volcanoes. Both ultraviolet (UV), mid-wave and thermal infrared (IR) gas monitoring techniques to track changes in volcanic behavior are reviewed for both ground-based and space-borne sensors. Current challenges in remote sensing of volcanoes, such as atmospheric interference, data processing complexities and instrument limitations are also addressed and discussed. Finally, this chapter explores the practical applications of remote sensing in both effusive and explosive volcanic eruption scenarios as well as in geothermal and hydrothermal volcanic activity.