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Geochemical monitoring of volcanic activities
Jörg Erzinger1, Martin Zimmer2
Abstract: We investigated the Merapi volcano, Indonesia with a continuous gas monitoring device to study the relationship between gas composition (H2O, CO2, SO2, H2S, 222Rn, 220Rn, Temp) and activity patterns. The system works on-line and is partially controlled via radio link. The continuous gas data set allows for correlation with short-term seismic and other geophysical observations. First scientific data will be presented. The technique is sophisticated, the equipment is quite expensive, maintenance needs trained personnel, and corrosion is a severe problem. This effort seems to be necessary to get to know of Merapi’s geochemical behaviour. However, in the near future more simple and less expensive devices based on sensor techniques will be optimised and installed on the Merapi crater in order to allow the local authorities for long-term monitoring of volcanic gas emanation. |