Azores researchers test tools to map undersea volcanic gas leaks
Researchers from the University of the Azores' IVAR institute, working under the WAVES initiative, studied underwater gas emissions off Praia da Pedreira in Vila Franca do Campo. Volcanologist Catarina Silva explains that gas emissions seen on land often continue offshore, and mapping them helps establish a baseline for normal volcanic activity, useful for assessing risk if a volcanic system reactivates. The team used a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), sonar and a hydrophone to detect gas bubbles on the seabed, aiming to identify such emission zones from greater distances than previous methods, which required diving or positioning boats directly above the sites.