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Published online 17 November 2008 | Nature | doi:10.1038/news.2008.1237
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Sniffing out a rumbling volcano
A radio-controlled helicopter could help predict when a volcano will blow its top.
A large toy helicopter could help to predict volcanic eruptions in time to safely evacuate the surrounding area, according to geophysicists who have just been awarded $100,000 to develop their idea.
When fresh, eruption-ready magma arrives deep in the heart of a volcano, it tends to release carbon dioxide.
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A helicopter makes little sense for high fuel consumption, complex steering, and small MTBF. Powered lighter-than-air vehicles or semi-gliders (e.g., military drones) are already in use as long duration telemetry platforms.