Dome Photography

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 + The Volcano & Belham

Photography is one of the tools scientists use to monitor activity at lava domes. Photos taken with ‘normal’ cameras are useful to study changes in the shape of the dome and monitor growth when it is erupting. In addition, special infra-red cameras are used to study temperatures on the surface of the dome and monitor the circulation of hot fluids.

Careful photography of the dome and its surroundings is regularly produced by MVO scientists to detect when new lava is being added or the dome is becoming unstable. Credit: MVO Archive

A photograph of the steaming dome of Soufrière Hills volcano. The vapour and gas makes it difficult to study the dome in detail. Credit: MVO Archive

This photo of the dome shows an infra-red image of the same area as the previous photo. Infra-red photography helps to 'see' the dome through vapour and gas and record temperatures on the surface of the dome. Red colours designate areas with high temperatures and blue colours are colder. The photo shows that hydrothermal (hot and gas rich) fluids still circulate in and around the dome. Credit: MVO Archive