Remote Sensing and Volcanology

• Atmosperic Remote Sensing
• Volcanology
• Geologic Hazards Mitigation

Atmospheric Remote Sensing

Full-time graduate funding currently exists for a project using satellite data on SO₂ in the atmosphere to study long term volcanic emissions, and the fates of these emissions in the atmosphere.

Remote sensing is also developing geologic applications, such as mapping and characterization, using a hyperspectral sensor. This project has part-time graduate funding, and includes the full remote sensing spectrum from collection of the data by aircraft to processing, manipulation and interpretation.

Additionally, this area has a pending project to work with the Pacific Disaster Center in Hawaii to transfer methods of volcanic cloud detection and tracking. This project includes full-time graduate support.

William I. Rose 487-2367 raman@mtu.edu

Volcanology

Volcanology is the science of volcanoes, which is the name we give to the liquid rock plumbing systems that lead from several 10's of kilometers depth to the earth's surface. Volcanoes are the most likely source of earth's atmosphere and oceans and provide a strong link between earth' s tectonic and hydrological systems.

The central focus of volcanology is prediction of activity, an event that is rare at most volcanoes, but which can profoundly impact people that live nearby and sometimes those far away. We are far from an ability to accurately predict eruptions, but the science has many challenges within its immediate reach. Research in volcanology requires backgrounds in physics, chemistry, materials science, atmosopheric science and meteorology, electromagnetics, and engineering and computer skills are highly desirable. Volcanic hazards communications efforts also demand skills in technical and intercultural communications. Traditionally most volcanologists have come from geological departments, but in recent years most graduate programs have had interdisciplinary teams with diverse backgrounds. Michigan Tech has one of the largest volcanology graduate programs in the US and has produced many MS and PhD level volcanologists. Cross-over graduate students are encouraged.

Faculty:
William I. Rose 487-2367 raman@mtu.edu
Greg Waite 487-3554 gpwaite@mtu.edu

More Details...Volcanoes
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