Geoscientists Without Borders^®

Nicaragua: "Developing in­tegrated volcano monitoring and hazard mitigation programs at persistently degassing volcanoes."

Partners: The Open University and INETER Nicaraguan Institute for Earth Sciences, Earthwatch Institute, Society in Science, and Natural Environment Research Council

Summary: The Open University will conduct a two-year project ("Developing in­tegrated volcano monitoring and hazard mitigation programs at persistently degassing volcanoes") in Masaya and Telica by utilizing gravity surveys and data integration to understand and mitigate the impact on the local environment and popu­lation of the persistent volcanic activity in those areas. Us­ing geochemical analyses and social science, project members hope to develop a better understanding of how persistent gas flux from the volcanoes impact humans and their environment (e.g., grazing land for cattle, cultivated land for various crops, and natural vegetation) and to determine how rapidly the lo­cal environment responds to changes in volatile flux.

The project will expand the scope of the research cur­rently undertaken by the project principal investigators to include continuous gravity monitoring, enabling them to investigate processes within the shallow plumbing system of the volcano and consequently link these to variations in gas flux, sulphur deposition rates, and ground water quality. The results can subsequently be used in the development of an in­novative integrated monitoring system and mitigation strate­gies. Additionally, the project will take a holistic approach to volcanic hazards and communicating risk mitigation strate­gies by involving the local community in the data collection and response processes, resulting in those most affected by the processes having a stake in data collection dissemination and response to the results.

Along with The Open University (United Kingdom), project partners include Earthwatch Institute; Society in Science (Switzerland); and Natural Environment Research Council, United Kingdom.

"GWB is one of the most successful programs that SEG has ever developed because it partners young geoscientists, application of geophysical technology and missions of great humanitarian benefit. Who can resist? Interestingly, it is also one of the most promising programs as well. We at the SEG Foundation are honored to be the conduit to fund this effort and commit­ted to its far greater future," said Tom Smith, SEG Foundation Board Chair.

For more information, visit www.seg.org/gwb or e-mail foundation@seg.org.