Early detection of volcanic eruptions using lightning activity in South America

M. G. NICORA; R. E. BÜRGESSER; E. J. QUEL; E. E. AVILA

Congreso; America Geophysical Union, Meeting of the Americas; 2013

A study of the lightning activity generated by the eruption of the Cordón Caulle volcanic complex during June 2011 was performed using the World Wide Lightning Location Network data, and its experimental research project Global Volcanic Lightning Monitor. The results agree with previous studies and show that lightning activity could be used as a proxy of the volcanic activity. This shows the relevance of the system as an early warning tool. This technique could provide support to national warning systems (if it any) or as early warnings of eruptions where there are no continuous monitoring of eruptive systems.