APPLICATION AREA GEOGRAPHIC ZONE (EXAMPLE) CLIMATIC ZONE Geology - volcano surveillance Cameroon and Zaire Tropical zone
ECONOMIC VALUE
In 1986, hot CO2 gases killed 1 800 persons in the region of
the volcano Lake of Nyos (Cameroon). Yet, nobody knows whether
the source of the gases was the crater itself or lateral
fissures. Similar phenomena killed 37 persons in 1984. In order
to save lives in the future, it is extremely important to gather
geological information on the volcano. The Niragongo volcano in
Zaire is one of the world's three volcanos that have a permanent
lava lake. Studies carried out over 40 years have shown that the
level of lava in the lake varies widely. A lava overflow was
observed some years ago. Apart from the scientific missions no
direct observation station has been installed in the region and
satellite imagery has not yet been used to study the area of the
volcano.
ENVIRONMENTAL VALUE
See economic value.
POLITICAL VALUE
See economic value.
TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY
SAR data have proved to be extremely useful for geological
mapping. Interferometric analysis with ERS-SAR can be considered
a unique tool for the observation of the changing heights of
surfaces.
RELIABLE PROCESSING METHODS
Geological mapping by visual image analysis is an operational
method. Reliable interferometric processing methods have been
developed by CNES, France and the University of Stuttgart,
Germany.
SP-1199