Earth Observation satellites can now detect extremely small changes on the Earth’s surface. By using satellite data, alongside ground-based and other observations, COMET monitors earthquakes and volcanoes across the globe. Regularly gathering and analysing this information helps decisionmakers around the world to reduce the impact of natural hazards, from hazard preparedness to event response.

Satellites such as the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-1 help us to understand how the ground deforms around earthquake centres, faults and volcanoes. They can give very precise measurements of ground motion that we can combine with other techniques to create geophysical models of what is happening beneath the Earth’s surface.

High-resolution imagery and topographic data can also help us to identify seismic and volcanic hazards, and we can use spectroscopy to quantify gas and ash emissions from volcanoes.

All of these techniques provide vital information on the processes underpinning these geohazards.

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COMET scientists are at the forefront of international efforts to monitor active volcanism by combining satellite observations of deformation (changes in the size or shape of a volcano or the surrounding areas), topographic change (shifts in a landscape’s surface or physical features), and volcanic gases with ground-based observations. We have conducted a series of multiscale, multi-observable studies of recent eruptions, and COMET scientists have been key international partners during the response to major volcanic crises, including major events at Fentale (Ethiopia), Fagradalsfjall (Iceland), La Soufriere (St Vincent) and La Palma (Spain). Through the BGS we provide weekly briefs to the UK government on volcanic activity globally through International Forward Look and the EU through ARISTOTLE, with the ability to increase reporting frequency during crises. We have been developing interactive tools targeted at volcano observatories, as well as exploiting new advances in machine learning to flag volcanic deformation events. We have also developed new methods to produce near real-time SO₂ flux and plume height time series data during explosive eruptions and passive degassing. By combining satellite observations with detailed understanding of physical processes and evolving understanding of magmatic conditions under the ground, COMET scientists are helping to understand subsurface processes and build new models of magmatic processes.

If we wish to stop eruptions from becoming disasters we need to (i) make rapid observations and quickly identify potential precursory signals, (ii) interpret these using reliable modelling frameworks and (iii) work in partnership with local volcano observatories and volcanic ash advisory centres to enable them to make improved critical decisions.

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Since its inception, COMET has always been at the forefront of combining satellite, seismological, and fieldwork observations with numerical models to address major questions regarding earthquakes and tectonics.

We have an established track record of producing scientific advances as part of multidisciplinary studies that break new ground where single-topic projects fail to advance. For examples, see our projects and collaborations.

Many of our scientific advances are built upon the results of our underpinning National Capability science programme in EO Data and Services. A recent COMET study, for example, used InSAR to image the rate of ground movement, and strain accumulation on major faults, across the entirety of the north-eastern Tibetan Plateau.

It is our commitment to advancing knowledge through high-impact academic research that places us in the expert and well-knowledgeable position to be able to provide expert advice regarding earthquakes and tectonics.

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