Real time volcano monitoring for early eruption prediction using unmanned aerial vehicles and image processing methods

According to GVP (Global Volcanism Program), Ecuador occupies the third place of countries that have the largest number of volcanoes around the world. With a total of 84 volcanoes, of which 17 are considered potentially active, Ecuador is constantly threatened by volcanic activity. As result of past eruptions, nearly a million people have been affected and infrastructure has been damaged severally (hospitals, schools, highways, hydroelectric plants, etc.) [1],[2]. Currently, the information provided by ground-based monitoring stations is not enough to assess the whole spectrum of variables immersed in the forecasting of potential eruptive scenarios, which need real time and periodical data gathered in situ. In this context, this project seeks to implement a real time monitoring system based on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and image processing methods for gathering data to assess volcanic plumes composition and to track geomorphological changes of the volcano, which are important parameters to predict eruptive scenarios and enhance prospective studies for early prevention and mitigation of disasters.