Three-dimensional computational axial tomography scan of a volcano with cosmic ray muon radiography
Abstract
Cosmic ray muon radiography can measure the density distribution within a volcano. Unidirectional radiography shows a precise cross-sectional view of a conduit and a magma body through a volcano parallel to the plane of the detector. However, it only resolves the average density distribution along individual muon paths. Precise size and shape of underground structure, such as a conduit or a magma body, provide clear and pervasive information on understanding dynamics of volcanic eruption. Here we show a highly resolved three-dimensional tomographic image of an active volcano Asama in Japan. Specifically, we developed a portable power-effective muon radiography telescope that can be operated stable with a realistically sized solar panel so as to place it around an active volcano where commercial electric power is not available. The resulting image below the crater floor shows that a local low-density region accumulates sufficient gas pressure to cause Vulcanian eruption. The present muon computational axial tomography scan has a resolving power with a resolution of 100 m, allowing it to see great detail in volcanoes.
- Publication:
-
Journal of Geophysical Research (Solid Earth)
- Pub Date:
- December 2010
- DOI:
- 10.1029/2010JB007677
- Bibcode:
- 2010JGRB..11512332T
- Keywords:
-
- muon; radiography; volcano; tomography.;
- muon;
- radiography;
- volcano;
- tomography