What do scientists use to measure a volcano?

Answer 1

Mapping helps to keep track of how fast flows are advancing toward areas where people live. scientists now map with portable GPS (Global Positioning System) receivers.

These devices receive the radio waves from global positioning system satellites to determine the position of the receiver on the Earth's surface. Portable receivers record positions to within 15 feet, which is well suited for lava-flow maps.

To map flows, scientists walk around them as near their edges as possible, noting their characteristics and position. With GPS receivers, the position is recorded by pushing a button, and the data are recorded in the computerized memory of the device. Back in the office, scientists download the coordinates and connect the dots, so to speak. The result is an outline of the lava flow.

It's easy to distinguish the margin of a new flow where it laps against substantially older flows. New flow is a shiny, silvery gray color, because none of its glass, which forms most of the rock, has altered chemically or physically. If the flow is less than a week old, scientists may feel substantial heat as we approach it or step onto it. Shimmering heat waves in the air above a recent lava flow may give it away, too.

Changes in slope in a real volcano can be measured precisely by various electronic mechanical "tiltmeters" or field tilt surveying techniques, which, for example, can detect the change in slope of a kilometer-long board if raised by the thickness of a dime placed under one end. Similarly, minute changes in horizontal distances can be measured by an instrument that uses a laser beam; tiny changes in vertical distances can be measured by making a series of precise levelling surveys. Such changes can be easily detected to a precision of only a few parts per million. The frequency, location, and magnitude of earthquakes generated by magma movement can be easily and accurately determined by data obtained from a properly designed seismic network.

Answer 2

They would use the Celsius scale, on a thermometer.

For surface temperature:

Use a digital pyrometer with a really long range. Note that any black char/solidified lava on the surface will be much cooler (relatively speaking) than the core.

Or use a thermocouple probe for a core temperature

Answer 3

Scientists use a variety of instruments to measure a volcano, including seismometers to track seismic activity, GPS to monitor ground deformation, gas sensors to detect changes in gas emissions, and satellite imagery to observe surface changes. By combining data from these different tools, scientists can better understand volcanic activity and potentially predict eruptions.

Answer 4

scientists use seismometers to measure the earthquake underneath the volcano.

Answer 5

with a thermocouple