Visualization of the Internal Structure of Volcanoes with Cosmic-ray Muons

Abstract

High-energy muons that are produced via the reaction between primary cosmic rays and the Earth’s atmosphere can be used as a radiographic probe to explore the density distribution in gigantic objects including shallow parts of a volcano’s interior. This new subterranean imaging technique is called muography. So far, muographic results have been acquired from eight volcanoes around the world as well as various targets including limestone caves, fault zones, industrial plants, and historical ruins. Taking all of the observational data together, it appears that muography can serve as a new and alternative high-resolution imaging technique, providing a fresh approach to Earth studies. This review describes observational studies in which muography has been used to explore the Earth’s interior. Particular attention is paid to muography of magma convection and pathways in volcanoes around the world. The results are summarized here, and an outlook regarding anticipated future observations is briefly discussed.