The overall aim of the research project is to analyze the ability of the innovative German satellite mission TanDEM-X to monitor active volcanoes and to make the data available for local volcano observatories. Primary measurements include changes in height and shape of the volcano domes of Colima Volcano (Mexico) and Mount Merapi (Indonesia) by means of analyzing time series of interferometric bistatic SAR images. Target values are magmatic production rates, material flows and volume changes which are of great importance for the volcanoes eruption dynamic and exposure potential. In addition to develop, test and implement innovative analytical methods, the strong collaboration with local scientists in Mexico and Indonesia is essential.

Funded by the Space Agency of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) under contract no. 50 EE0957, with funds of the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi) due to a decision of the German Bundestag.

Collaborators:

• Prof. Dr. Matthias Hort, University of Hamburg
• Dr. Birger-G. Lühr, Helmholtz-Centre Potsdam – German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ)
• Subandriyo, Volcano Technology Research Center (BPPTK), Yogyakarta, Indonesia
• Dr. Nick Varley, Centre of Exchange and Research in Volcanology, University of Colima, Mexico