RSTVOLC: an effective algorithm for the monitoring of active volcanoes from space

RSTVOLC is a satellite-based algorithm developed for detecting and monitoring volcanic hot spots representing a specific configuration of the Robust Satellite Technique (RST) multi-temporal approach. This algorithm was firstly tested over Mt. Etna (Italy) area using infrared AVHRR (Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer) records. Afterwards, it was implemented on MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) data assessing its performance even for comparison with other established methods of thermal anomaly detection (e.g. MODVOLC). These studies showed that RSTVOLC is capable of guaranteeing a high trade-off between reliability and sensitivity recognizing even possible thermal precursory signals of volcanic eruptions, as revealed by the retrospective analysis of Mt. Asama eruptive events of September 2004. In this study, we present some recent results achieved monitoring a number of active volcanoes located in very different geographic areas. The work shows that RSTVOLC is potentially applicable at a global scale and may be exported with success on data provided by sensors like SEVIRI (Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager), allowing for the real-time monitoring of high risk volcanic areas providing reliable and timely alerts about new phases of thermal unrest.