Volcanism is one of Earth’s most powerful forces, reshaping landscapes and impacting ecosystems in dramatic ways. To advance the prediction of volcanic eruptions, INFICON GmbH, a leader in measurement and sensor technologies, is partnering with scientists and research institutions to monitor volcanic activity on Italy’s Vulcano and Stromboli islands. This collaboration uses INFICON’s advanced instruments to perform geochemical measurements of gases emitted from the ground, offering insights that could help forecast eruptions with greater accuracy.

Vulcano, one of the seven inhabited Aeolian Islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea, has been a focal point for volcanic research since June 2022. The island’s volcanic activity, marked by sulfur emissions and a rich history, has made it an ideal research site. According to Professor Andres Diaz and Josef Grenz, the data collected here holds significance beyond volcano studies, contributing to environmental safety for future generations.

This research project includes a team from INFICON’s Syracuse and Cologne sites working alongside the Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), NASA, ESA, and ASI. Together, these experts aim to improve monitoring methods and enhance civil protection protocols for people living near active volcanic craters.

One critical focus of this study is understanding the behavior of liquid magma. Italian researchers from INGV’s Geological Institute in Palermo explain that geochemical monitoring allows them to quantify outgassing magma, indirectly indicating the amount of magma present. This information helps categorize eruption risks, as magma often seeks a path toward the Earth’s surface under increasing pressure.

INFICON’s specialized instruments, which detect gases at the crater and nearby, are essential to this project. “When working directly at volcanic craters, we need robust, reliable equipment that can withstand extreme volcanic conditions,” says Emre Germen, INFICON’s market manager. Their tools, including portable gas analyzers and leak detection technology, monitor gases such as CO2, H2S, SO2, and helium. The data collected reveal patterns in gas composition and flow that signal changes in volcanic activity.

In this challenging environment, INFICON’s mobile devices have transformed from large lab equipment into compact, user-friendly units powered by solar modules and batteries. The advanced sensors enable in-situ and real-time monitoring, wirelessly transmitting data to provide a comprehensive picture of volcanic outgassing processes. This continuous monitoring complements other techniques like seismometry, magnetic measurements, and remote sensing.

For example, INFICON’s helium sensor, “He-Man,” detects trace amounts of helium via a helium-permeable membrane using Penning ionization. These readings help refine existing instruments and contribute valuable data for future development.

INFICON also provides advanced instrumentation and sensor technologies that optimize productivity and quality across diverse sectors, including semiconductor manufacturing, air conditioning, and automotive advancements. With a global presence and headquarters in Switzerland, INFICON supports critical processes in industrial applications, life sciences and environmental monitoring.

The Vulcano project not only strengthens local safety protocols but also benefits global volcano monitoring efforts. The data from these field campaigns calibrate remote sensing tools such as NASA-JPL’s HyTES (Hyperspectral Thermal Emission Spectrometer) and support the development of future satellites, including HyspIRI. The information gathered here will contribute significantly to the global monitoring of volcanic activities, allowing civil protection agencies to prepare better emergency responses. www.inficon.com

Image: To improve the prediction of volcanic eruptions, INFICON, a specialist in measurement and sensor technologies, is working with scientists and international research institutions on the Italian islands of Vulcano and Stromboli. Credit: INFICON