Silicon Carbide Sensors to Test Volcano "Breath"

Millions of people live in areas where major volcanic eruptions have taken place and can occur again which is part of the reason why volcanologists are interested in the development of specialized sensors that can detect the subtlest changes in gases emerging from volcanos. These sensors would perform somewhat of a "breath" test that would be analyzed to see if major volcanic eruptions are imminent. Although the idea is not necessarily new, putting theory into practice is.

Silicon Carbide to Stand up Against Heat and Radiation

What electronic components could withstand the extreme heat and radiation associated with major volcanic eruptions? Perhpas those that are constructed using a material known as silicon carbide will be able to resist being melted or even damaged. Volcanologists have high hopes that technological advances in the creation of new age materials such as silicon carbide will be successful in incorporating sensors into a device no larger than the size of a smartphone. They hope these sensors will be able to analyze the "breath" or gases of a volcano.

Sensors made with silicon carbide have already been constructed and put through the first trials; the results look very promising so far. These highly sensitive sensors have been able to detect the gases: hydrogen, oxygen, hydrogen sulfide, and sulphur dioxide with an amazing sensitivity of ten parts per million. Scientists plan to strategically place the device so that it can analyze gases emitted from a volcano and transmit its finding by radio back to scientists who are monitoring imminent threats. Silicon carbide is known to be able to endure temperatures pushing an incredible 600 degrees Celsius which gives more hope than virtually any other known material would in attempting to test the hot breath of a volcano.

No More Worry About Major Volcanic Eruptions?

If the volcano breath tester is fully developed, will it really eliminate the need for concern about the lives who inhabit areas where major volcanic eruptions have occurred and can occur again? It might and it might not. Most people certainly would consider it a breakthrough in efforts to warn people in plenty of time before disaster strikes. However, it's unlikely that the threat of major volcanic eruptions will forever be eliminated thanks to electronic components constructed with silicon carbide. Why?

How many times has a meteorologist predicted a dry day that turned into a rainy day causing people to sometimes refer to them as "weather-guessing" men instead of weather men--and women? They also rely on computers and sensors--sensors that don't have to withstand extreme cold or heat; yet, they are often in error. Will the extremely sensitive sensors planned for detecting even slight changes in volcano breath be too sensitive? Will they sound false alarms causing needless evacuations and eventually public distrust in the technology all together? Those are considerations that should and probably are being taken into account.

Source:

Kate Ravilious
Volcano Breath Test Promises Eruption Early Warning
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