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Satellite remote sensing as a tool in Lahar disaster management
Norman Kerle1, Clive Oppenheimer
1Volcano Remote Sensing Group, University of Cambridge. nk220@cam.ac.uk
Disasters
|July 5, 2002
Summary
Satellite imagery can aid lahar disaster management, but current optical and radar sensors have limitations. Forthcoming radar satellites show promise for improving response to volcanic mudflows.
Area of Science:
- Earth Science
- Volcanology
- Disaster Management
Background:
- Lahars (volcanic mudflows) have caused over 40,000 deaths historically, with the 1998 Casita volcano disaster claiming over 2,500 lives.
- Lahars pose significant challenges to disaster management due to their destructive potential and ability to impede access and damage infrastructure.
- Satellite imagery offers synoptic coverage valuable for natural disaster management, though limitations exist.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utility of current and future optical and radar satellite sensors for lahar disaster management.
- To assess the potential improvement in disaster response using satellite data, using the Casita volcano lahar as a case study.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of satellite imagery (optical and radar) availability and utility for the Casita volcano lahar event.
- Evaluation of the potential impact of forthcoming satellite technologies on lahar disaster response.
- Comparison of the benefits of dedicated disaster response satellite constellations versus existing and emerging sensor technologies.
Main Results:
- Satellite imagery available during the 1998 Casita volcano lahar event could not have significantly improved immediate disaster response.
- Forthcoming satellite sensors, particularly radar, are expected to substantially enhance capabilities for lahar monitoring and disaster management.
- The advancement of satellite technology may reduce the necessity for dedicated disaster response satellite constellations.
Conclusions:
- While current satellite technology has limited utility for immediate lahar disaster response, future radar systems offer significant improvements.
- Technological advancements in remote sensing are crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of disaster management strategies for volcanic mudflows.
- The development of next-generation satellite sensors may obviate the need for specialized disaster response constellations.
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