Multi-Source Remote Sensing for Volcanic Activity Detection and Analysis

Dear Colleagues,

Volcanoes are among the most dynamic natural systems on Earth, posing significant hazards to populations, infrastructure, aviation, and the environment. Effective methods for measuring and assessing volcanic activity are therefore essential for understanding magmatic processes, improving eruption forecasting, and mitigating volcanic risk. In addition to multispectral, thermal, SAR/InSAR, and LiDAR data, continuous geodetic measurements from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), borehole strainmeters, tiltmeters, and video recordings of eruptive activity using fixed thermal and visual webcams provide valuable information on ground deformation and subsurface magma dynamics. Like pieces of a puzzle, individual monitoring observations provide only partial insights; their integration unveils the full complexity of volcanic processes and enables a more comprehensive characterization of volcanic unrest, eruptive activity, and associated hazards, fostering the development of more robust monitoring and early-warning systems.

This Special Issue aims to advance the application of multi-source remote sensing and integrated geodetic observations for the detection, monitoring, analysis and interpretation of volcanic activity. Particular emphasis is placed on the synergistic use of optical, thermal, hyperspectral, SAR/InSAR, LiDAR, GNSS, borehole strainmeter and tiltmeter data, as well as on innovative approaches for data fusion, change detection, physical modeling, and machine learning techniques. The topic is fully aligned with the scope of Remote Sensing, encompassing multi-sensor observations, image processing and pattern recognition, data assimilation, dedicated satellite missions, and operational monitoring systems based on spaceborne, airborne, and terrestrial platforms.

This Special Issue welcomes contributions focusing on the application and development of multi-source remote sensing approaches for the detection, monitoring, analysis and interpretation of volcanic processes. Relevant topics include the integration of datasets for the observation of volcanic processes; ground deformation monitoring and eruption forecasting; thermal anomaly detection, lava flow mapping and identification of lava tube formation and growth for hazard assessment; volcanic gas emissions and plume characterization; ash cloud detection and spreading and the assessment of atmospheric impacts. Contributions addressing time-series analysis, data fusion and data assimilation methodologies, as well as machine learning and artificial intelligence applications for volcanic remote sensing are particularly encouraged. The Special Issue also welcomes studies focused on operational and near-real-time monitoring systems.

Interdisciplinary contributions that combine remote sensing, volcanology, geophysics, and data science are especially encouraged.

Dr. Sonia Calvari
Dr. Bellina Di Lieto
Dr. Flora Giudicepietro
Dr. Pierdomenico Romano
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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