Volcanic eruptions get open source analysis

Often, when there are signs of a forthcoming volcanic hazard, scientific experts will travel to the trouble spot, where they may be required to work with unfamiliar computer systems. A tool set operating in an open source framework, developed by a EU project, allows for quick handling and analysis of large amounts of heterogeneous data on potential volcanic eruptions.

Climate Change and Environment

Scientists lose precious time finding their way around in the data provided by different sources such as universities or volcano observatories. Often they are required to pull the information together and convert it into a coherent data set that can be effectively processed . Only then can scientist analyse and provide forecasts on what is going on and what will happen next. The EU-funded project on multi-disciplinary monitoring, modelling and forecasting of volcanic hazard (MULTIMO) has developed a dynamic web-based application to help researchers save precious time. The MULTIMO data application server works in an open source framework and allows browsing through data recorded on different volcanoes, using different instruments to measure different sampling frequencies. In addition, it allows for quick appraisal of data that it stores in a heterogeneous format. Scientists can also define their own preferred settings on the server's interface. Based on the user preferences, the server's interface then runs queries in the database, pulls together the required data and creates graphs and web pages for display to interact with the user. The project sees the developed toolset as the base for a dynamic web environment that will allow for monitoring of data results from ever increasing number of different sources. This continuously growing web environment could be further specialised and expanded. It also provides a platform for information gathering by non-expert personnel or for anyone with an interest in such information.