Researchers from the Technical University of Munich are testing a drone-mounted system that uses a laser beam to measure gas concentrations around volcanic vents

The research comes as Mount Etna erupted in Sicily, prompting Catania airport to temporarily suspend arriving flights due to volcanic ash

At 3,324 metres, Mount Etna is the tallest active volcano in Europe and has erupted frequently over the past 5 lakh years

The new drone system is expected to be tested at Etna in the coming days, giving researchers an opportunity to collect data from one of Europe's most active volcanic sites

Scientists say changes in the composition and amount of volcanic gases can provide clues about activity beneath the surface

Monitoring these emissions could therefore help researchers better understand and potentially anticipate volcanic eruptions.