A multipurpose camera system for monitoring Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai'i
Links
- More information: USGS Index Page
- Document: Report (7.9 MB pdf)
- Companion Files:
- Halema'uma'u plume time-lapse MOV (54.7 MB) This video shows an image every 10 minutes, from February 3, 2014, at 0001 Hawai‘i Standard Time (HST) to February 9, 2014, at 2359 HST. The movie shows the commonly fluctuating wind directions typical of winter months, when the normally steady trade winds become unstable. The camera was positioned in the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory observation tower. In the lower right corner of the image is the public overlook at Jaggar Museum.
- Halema'uma'u lake time-lapse MP4 (7.4 MB) This video shows an image every minute, from February 14, 2014, at 1200 Hawai‘i Standard Time (HST) to February 15, 2014, at 1200 HST. The plot of RSAM (real-time seismic amplitude measurement), which can be taken as a proxy for the amplitude of seismic tremor, is shown below. Spikes in RSAM correspond with the appearance of additional spattering sources on the lake margin, whereas the sustained low level in RSAM after about 0800 on February 15 is an indicator of the absence of spattering at the lake and very quiet activity.
- Halema'uma'u lake video clips MOV (20.2 MB) Four clips from February 2014 are shown, taken at the following times: (1) February 14, 1200 Hawai‘i Standard Time (HST); (2) February 14, 1800 HST; (3) February 15, 0000 HST; (4) February 15, 0600 HST. Videos are shown at 3× speed.
- Halema'uma'u lake video clips MP4 (4.7 MB) Four clips from February 2014 are shown, taken at the following times: (1) February 14, 1200 Hawai‘i Standard Time (HST); (2) February 14, 1800 HST; (3) February 15, 0000 HST; (4) February 15, 0600 HST. Videos are shown at 3× speed.
- Halema'uma'u plume time-lapse MP4 (14.9 MB) This video shows an image every 10 minutes, from February 3, 2014, at 0001 Hawai‘i Standard Time (HST) to February 9, 2014, at 2359 HST. The movie shows the commonly fluctuating wind directions typical of winter months, when the normally steady trade winds become unstable. The camera was positioned in the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory observation tower. In the lower right corner of the image is the public overlook at Jaggar Museum.
- Halema'uma'u lake time-lapse MOV (19.1 MB) This video shows an image every minute, from February 14, 2014, at 1200 Hawai‘i Standard Time (HST) to February 15, 2014, at 1200 HST. The plot of RSAM (real-time seismic amplitude measurement), which can be taken as a proxy for the amplitude of seismic tremor, is shown below. Spikes in RSAM correspond with the appearance of additional spattering sources on the lake margin, whereas the sustained low level in RSAM after about 0800 on February 15 is an indicator of the absence of spattering at the lake and very quiet activity.
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
We describe a low-cost, compact multipurpose camera system designed for field deployment at active volcanoes that can be used either as a webcam (transmitting images back to an observatory in real-time) or as a time-lapse camera system (storing images onto the camera system for periodic retrieval during field visits). The system also has the capability to acquire high-definition video. The camera system uses a Raspberry Pi single-board computer and a 5-megapixel low-light (near-infrared sensitive) camera, as well as a small Global Positioning System (GPS) module to ensure accurate time-stamping of images. Custom Python scripts control the webcam and GPS unit and handle data management. The inexpensive nature of the system allows it to be installed at hazardous sites where it might be lost. Another major advantage of this camera system is that it provides accurate internal timing (independent of network connection) and, because a full Linux operating system and the Python programming language are available on the camera system itself, it has the versatility to be configured for the specific needs of the user. We describe example deployments of the camera at Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai‘i, to monitor ongoing summit lava lake activity.
Study Area
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | A multipurpose camera system for monitoring Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai'i |
| Series title | Techniques and Methods |
| Series number | 13-A2 |
| DOI | 10.3133/tm13A2 |
| Year Published | 2015 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Publisher location | Reston, VA |
| Contributing office(s) | Volcano Science Center |
| Description | Report: iv, 25 p.; 6 videos |
| Larger Work Type | Report |
| Larger Work Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Larger Work Title | Section A: Methods Used in Volcano Monitoring in Book 13 Volcano Monitoring |
| Public Comments | This report is Chapter 2 of Section A: Methods Used in Volcano Monitoring in Book 13 Volcano Monitoring. |
| Country | United States |
| State | Hawai'i |
| Other Geospatial | Kīlauea Volcano |
| Online Only (Y/N) | Y |
| Additional Online Files (Y/N) | Y |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |