Remote Sensing
Several of Alaska's volcanoes are difficult to monitor with land-based instruments. Alaska Volcano Observatory scientists use a technique called InSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar). This technique measures the changes between two or more radar images taken of the same location at different times and measures how the surface deforms over time. Watch the video to learn more.
Scientists also use thermal imaging to measure volcanoes. The photos to the right show volcanic deposists that are still hot six months after deposition. Photos courtesy of the UAF Geophysical Institute.