Advantages and challenges of space-borne remote sensing for Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI): The 2009 eruption of Sarychev Peak on Matua Island, Kuril Islands, Russia

Abstract

The intensity is important for comparing eruptions. Remote-sensing data allow investigators to quickly estimate Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI), an indicator for the intensity of an eruption. The volume of volcanic products and plume height, which can be determined by satellite data, are two major variables used to estimate VEI. Sarychev Peak has been one of the most active volcanoes on Kuril Islands. Most recently it repeated its violent eruptions in June 2009. The volume of volcanic products in Matua Island discharged from Sarychev Peak was estimated, and there was a 0.08 km 3 difference between ASTER and PRISM DEM Data. The plume height was estimated as high as 10 km using ASTER images. The 2009 Sarychev Peak eruptions is rated as VEI “3” based on the measured ejecta volume and the plume height calculated in our analysis, but this did not take into account the volcanic products deposited in the sea. If this volume was considered, the VEI should have been “4”. Satellite remote-sensing is a powerful tool to estimate VEI quickly, even for a volcano on an inaccessible remote island.