Crowd-sourcing observations of volcanic eruptions during the 2021 Fagradalsfjall and Cumbre Vieja events

This study explores the scientific potential of crowdsourced observations during volcanic eruptions, using the 2021 Fagradalsfjall (Iceland) and Cumbre Vieja (Canary Islands) events as case studies. Two remarkable 2021 eruptions - Fagradalsfjall (Reykjanes, Iceland) and Cumbre Vieja (La Palma, Spain) - have been captured in imagery and videography at unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution by tourists, volcano-enthusiasts, and media organizations. We propose this represents the start of a new era for observational volcanology, with the abundance of eruption imagery leveraged for scientific use.

Automated summary

This study examines the scientific possibilities of crowdsourced observations during volcanic eruptions, using the 2021 Fagradalsfjall (Iceland) and Cumbre Vieja (Canary Islands) events as examples. The unprecedented high-resolution imagery and videos captured by tourists, volcano enthusiasts, and media organizations during these eruptions suggest a new era for observational volcanology, where the abundance of eruption imagery can be utilized for scientific purposes.