SO 2 flux monitoring at Stromboli with the new permanent INGV SO 2 camera system: A comparison with the FLAME network and seismological data

We installed a permanent SO2 camera system on Stromboli, Italy, in May 2013, in order to improve our capacity to monitor the SO2 emissions from this volcano. The camera collects images of SO2 concentrations with a period of ~10s, allowing quantification of short-term processes, such as the gas released during the frequent explosions which are synonymous with Stromboli. It also allows quantification of the quiescent gas flux, and therefore comparison with the FLAME network of scanning ultraviolet spectrometers previously installed on the island. Analysis of results from the SO2 camera demonstrated a good agreement with the FLAME network when the plume was blown fully into the field of view of the camera. Permanent volcano monitoring with SO2 cameras is still very much in its infancy, and therefore this finding is a significant step in the use of such cameras for monitoring, whilst also highlighting the requirement of a favourable wind direction and strength.