Volcanic smoke reduction in visible and thermal infrared imagery

Abstract

A simple and rapid technique to effectively remove volcanic smoke (vapor-dominated white plume) from visible or thermal infrared images of active craters is proposed, in which multiple photographs taken in a fixed frame are post-processed by a script-based program on a computer. This method allows us to obtain a detailed view of the surface conditions on fuming craters that is often impossible to observe by a single snapshot. It is also effective in improving an accuracy of surface temperature anomalies, and hence, heat flux from hot lakes or geothermal areas.[Figure not available: see fulltext.].