Our technology and the La Palma Volcano

We collaborate with our technology to help monitor, predict and measure key factors in the research being carried out by the National Geographic Institute (IGN) and the Volcanological Institute of the Canary Islands (INVOLCAN) on the La Palma Volcano in the Canary Islands. Special thanks to the National Geographic Institute (IGN) for providing all the information and images.

For their studies they use Teledyne Flir's high precision thermographic cameras, technology supplied by Álava Ingenieros. Thanks to the infrared technology, we can analyze in great detail the thermographic image, making precise temperature measurements in the casting, crater or any region of interest that we consider.

The thermal data collected will be used not only to know the temperature values, but also the spatial distribution of temperature. They will also be applied in the calculation of heat flux and thermal energy emission, as well as in the calculation of volumes of emitted material. These data are of great importance for the investigation and show the danger that exists in the nearby areas since, as can be seen, at some points the temperature exceeds 400°C.

Álava Ingenieros installed 10 seismic stations belonging to the National Seismic Network of Volcanic Surveillance, which have the function of alerting in case of volcanic activity. They also provide data to the National Seismic Network for the detection and localization of seismic activity throughout the national territory.

The stations are equipped with Radian broadband seismometers, designed for posthole and borehole deployments. They have a very high tilt range: they can operate at virtually any angle. This capability, combined with their small diameter of only 55 mm, makes ground coupling very easy with sand and avoids classic anchors. The ultra-wide frequency response (between 120 s and 200 Hz) makes the Radian ideal for seismic monitoring at all scales.

On the other hand, the Minimus digitizers function as a surface interface unit for the Radian sensor that provides access to health monitoring sensor and instrument status as well as data communication, synchronization and storage capability. It is particularly useful for early warning applications as it is Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) enabled for automated emergency warning. Both devices are provided by its technology partner Güralp.