This SGER proposal is aimed at developing a wireless sensor network, consisting of both acoustic and seismic sensors, for monitoring eruptions of active and hazardous volcanoes. We intend to develop and deploy a wireless sensor array at Volc'an Tungurahua, an active volcano in central Ecuador, in July-August 2005. Wireless sensor networks have the potential to greatly enhance our understanding of volcanic activity.
This project will develop new wireless technologies for monitoring volcanic activity, which will lead to a richer scientific understanding of volcanic processes. The proposed large-aperture seismoacoustic sensor array will be deployed on the upper flanks of Tungurahua volcano, in an area that would otherwise not be readily accessible for multi-station data acquisition. The improved station coverage is in a critical (near-field) zone of the volcano and will enable much improved determination of source locations and mechanisms for explosions and other earthquakes in the shallow subsurface and volcanic conduit.
