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IN PHOTOS | Flying into the danger zone: Drones deployed to study volcanic activity in Sicily

Updated On: 12 August, 2026 08:24 PM IST | Anushree Gaikwad

Drones are being deployed by scientists in Sicily to measure volcanic gases and particles, helping researchers better understand eruptions and potentially improve early warning systems. (Pics/AFP) (Text: AFP)

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The technology is being tested on Vulcano, one of the Aeolian Islands, and is set to be deployed at Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano, following its latest eruption. (Pic/ AFP)
The technology is being tested on Vulcano, one of the Aeolian Islands, and is set to be deployed at Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano, following its latest eruption. (Pic/ AFP)
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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

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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