Why and when will the VFRS be used

Reducing the impact of natural disasters on the human habitat is a fundamental research goal. In volcanology the ultimate objective is to predict volcanic eruptions in time and space. Chances to succeed are high because volcanoes show many different types of precursors that can often be recognized prior to an eruption. In addition volcanoes are know point sources with a very well documented history. Unfortunately most volcanoes, especially in third world countries, are still unmonitored. It is therefore highly desirable to provide help in case of a volcanic crisis in order to reduce risk and fatalities.

Help request

A prerequisite for the temporary installation of the VFRS is the request of a foreign administration to our government for help and assistance to manage a period of volcanic unrest or a volcanic crisis. The request for help can include various levels of technical assistance ranging from simply lending instruments all the way to the installation of different components of the VFRS. Before actually deploying parts or the whole systems it must be determined in detail, what type of help is asked for by the foreign government and what can be provided by us. Once it is agreed upon which type of help can be provided the coordinator puts together a small team of scientists that will travel to provide the help.

The group of people will be kept as small as possible in order to not give the impression of overtaking the local agencies. Scientists of the VFRS provide all information gathered by the VFRS to the local scientists. They will also teach local scientists on how to use the systems, so that they can keep using the technology once the crisis is over if that is agreed upon between both parties.

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