Multi-component gas analyzer system

Multi-component gas analyzer systems are used for measuring the major components of volcanic gases. CO2, SO2, H2S, and pressure-temperature-humidity sensors are typically included in a package. Other electrochemical sensors have been successfully incorporated as well, including for H2 and HCl. The instruments are packaged in compact, portable, weather-resistant containers allowing for in situ measurements of various types of outgassing terrains. or setting up a multi-GAS in a fixed location for a short period of time. Long term studies involve setting up a permanent installment for an extended time. These stations can be set-up with terrestrial (e.g. 3G radio transmitters to send data from distant locations. == Volcano monitoring ==

Monitoring changes in gas composition allows for an understanding of changes occurring in the associated volcanic system. Multi-GAS measurements of real-time CO2/SO2 ratios can allow detection of the pre-eruptive degassing of rising magmas, improving the prediction of volcanic activity. CO2/H2S ratios are used to define the characteristic gas composition of the sampled area. The ratio can be a tool for understanding how the magmatic gas may have been scrubbed. Other molar ratios and gas species measured by a multi-GAS can provide information for further analysis of volcanic conditions. == Case studies ==

Multi-GAS stations have been employed at many volcanoes all around the world and Vulcano, Mount Yasur, and Mount Asama are well monitored with stations. In the Americas, Villarrica, Masaya Volcano, Mount St. Helens, and Soufrière Hills are also observed with instruments for changes in volcanic gas output. === Mount Etna, Italy === A permanent multi-GAS installment was placed by Mount Etna's summit crater to collect real-time measurements of H2O, CO2, and SO2 over a 2-year period. Data was used to correlate increasing CO2/SO2 ratios with rising magma beneath the edifice and associated volcanic eruptions. === Deep Earth Carbon Degassing Project (DECADE) === The DECADE project supported initiatives to set up and expand the use of permanent instrumentation for continuous CO2, and SO2 measurements from volcanoes. Multi-GAS systems have been set up at volcanoes such as Villarrica, Chile and Turrialba, Costa Rica. == See also ==