Need
In 2022 the Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratory and Atmospheric Analytical Services collaborated with several innovative fieldwork research projects which allowed students to gain experience with new innovative products and establish connections with international companies. Kunak was one of the companies collaborating with this network of professional researchers.
The Turrialba Volcano summit reaches up to 3,340 meters (10,958 feet) in altitude and, due to its geophysical features, it is a challenge to use certain instrumentation (drones, instruments dependent on cellular communication, etc.). The Turrialba volcano is the closest volcano to the Caribbean inside the territories of Costa Rica and makes up part of the Central Volcanic Range of Costa Rica.
Since the eruptive period from 1998-2008, researchers with Universidad Nacional have consistently tracked fumarole activity, temperature, degassing, and earthquakes around the Turrialba volcanic region. New data collection stations and innovative approaches to the collection of air quality data around degassing volcanoes are now assisting with these observations of these volcanic national parks.
The air quality data collected with the Kunak AIR Pro station at the summit of the volcano was broadcast live to show the air quality data to the university for social science and enhanced safety of the community nearby. The data collected helped them gain an overall better understanding of the activity seen coming from the summit of the Turrialba volcano during this period. Investigators with the Atmospheric Chemistry laboratory of Universidad Nacional have been bringing gas detection equipment to this area since April 2022 and in May of 2023, increased degassing data was recovered from the fieldwork.
During the day the gas ratios were stable. The degassing of the Turrialba volcano was constant, with a plume of SO2, H2S and CO2. The air dispersion modelling showed a mass of air going to the southwest, around Finca Central and the Irazú volcano.
- Presentation of Team in action at Turrialba Summit (video)
- Turrialba Volcano (3D Digital Model)
- Remote Pilot – Ian Godfrey FAA Part 107 # 4386825 SINAC
- Special Use UAS Research Permit – SINAC-ACC-PI-LC-037-2021
- Title of Study – “Estudio de las emisiones volcánicas y su afectación a la población cercana.”
