Observatoire Volcanologique monitors activity at Piton de la Fournaise on Réunion Island. Permanent monitoring networks consist now in about 42 geophysical and geochemical stations, distributed over the volcano. Equipment is grouped into geophysical stations, that are composed of various sensors (seismometers, electronic tiltmeters, magnetometers, extensometers, automatic EDM, 222-Rn detectors) and a protection frame, that supports antenna and a solar power supply, and contains 12 V batteries, a field computer and various electronic devices (VCO, radio-transmitters, ...) Monitoring networks can be divided in 5 main disciplines: seismicity, differential magnetism, ground deformations, geochemistry, and gravimetry.
For details about the monitoring activities of each of these disciplines visit the WOVO Directory.
Piton de la Fournaise Volcanological Observatory is one of the three French volcanological observatories with Soufrière de Guadeloupe and Montagne Pelée (Martinique) observatories. The headquarter of French volcanological observatories (Director: Jean Louis Cheminée) is at the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris (IPGP). Close collaboration with Patrick Bachèlery (Département des Sciences de la Terre, Université de la Réunion): volcanology - petrology - geochemistry - deformations. The Piton de la Fournaise Volcanological Observatory ensures the good working of the seismic stations of Karthala Volcano Observatory (Gran Comoro, FIR of Comoro).
Contact information:
Observatoire volcanologique du Piton de la Fournaise 14 RN3 - Km 27 97418 La Plaine des Cafres (Réunion) France Telephone: (262)275292; 275926 Telefax: (262)591204 Telex: (961)916279 Director: Patrick Bachèlery
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