Analysis of Lava Flow Effusion Rate Using High Spatial Resolution Infrared Data

Remote sensing thermal data of active lava flows allow for the evaluation of instantaneous effusion rates. This is made possible by simple formulae relating the lava effusion rate to the power energy radiated per unit time from the surface to the flow. Such formulae are based on a specific flow model and, consequently, their validity is subject to the model assumptions. The most questionable assumption is probably the constancy of the surface temperature. Herein, we use high spatial resolution infrared data to demonstrate the existence of an underlying relationship between the surface temperature and the lava flow thickness, using the 2001 Mt. Etna flow as a case study. According to this relationship, observed changes in surface temperature does not represent a weakness of the model but is the expected consequence of actual variations in the topographic down flow profile.Published391-4083V. Dinamiche e scenari eruttivirestricte