The researchers explained that the device can be used first in the most dangerous parts of the planet:
To do this, the researchers went to Papua NovaGuinea to explore Manam volcano. They brought DJI Phantom drones with them, modifying them with components such as miniature gas sensors and spectrometers. The team flew the drones near active vents on the volcano's surface, collecting samples and taking measurements.
This data allowed the team to calculatethe ratio of sulfur to carbon dioxide around - according to them, this data is crucial for determining the likelihood of an eruption, as it helps volcanologists to determine the source of the volcano's magma. In addition, the data collected will also help scientists better understand how volcanoes are contributing to the global carbon cycle, which will deepen their understanding of climate change.
The team published the results in the journalFrontiers in Robotics. Professor Alessandro Ayuppa, one of the co-authors of the report, noted that with the help of these devices, people will not "have to guess when the next eruption will occur."
This is not the first time that scientists have useddrones as an early warning system for emergencies. In early 2020, another group of researchers developed a communications system that allowed a network of unmanned aerial vehicles to provide early warning of natural disasters.
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