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Principles of Volcano monitoring |
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- Seismic activity Several seismological stations installed on mount Pelée allow the monitoring of the seismic activity of the volcano and its variations in time. The seisms of volcanic origin can precede and accompany an eruptive activity. The detection of these seisms thus makes it possible to warn of a future eruption. - Measurements of deformations The progress of the magma towards the surface is accompanied by strong pressures which deform the volcanic cone. The study of these deformations by clinometric measurements (variation of the slope), measurements of levelling (variations of altitude), electro-optical measurements of distances (variations of distances between fixed points on the volcano), satellite recognitions. - Hydrogeochemical analysis The progress of the magma towards the surface is accompanied by the release of gases which then modify the chemical composition and the temperature of the springs on the volcano. The analysis of the composition and the temperatures of the water on mount Pelée constitutes a parameter allowing the monitoring of the volcanic activity.
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Volcanic Risks