TIRVolcH: Thermal Infrared Recognition of Volcanic Hotspots. A single band TIR-based algorithm to detect low-to-high thermal anomalies in volcanic regions

Detecting early signs of impending eruptions and monitoring the evolution of volcanic phenomena are fundamental objectives of applied volcanology, both essential for timely assessment of associated hazards. Thermal remote sensing proves to be a cost-effective, yet reliable, information source for these purposes, especially for the hundreds of volcanoes still lacking conventional ground-based monitoring networks. In this work, we present an innovative and effective single band TIR-based (11.45 μm) algorithm (TIRVolcH), capable of detecting thermal anomalies in a broad range of volcanic settings, from low-temperature hydrothermal systems to high-temperature effusive events. Based on the processing of Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) scenes, the algorithm offers an unprecedented trade-off between spatial (375 m) and temporal resolution (multiple acquisitions per day), having the potential to detect thermal anomalies for pixel-integrated temperatures as low as 0.5 K above the background, while maintaining a false positive rate of ∼1.8 %. The analysis of decadal time series of VIIRS data (2012−2023), acquired at three different volcanoes, reveals how the algorithm can: (i) detect hydrothermal crises at fumarolic fields (Vulcano, Italy), (ii) unveil thermal unrest preceding dome extrusions and explosive eruptions (Agung, Indonesia), and (iii) spatially trace lava flows extent and quantify their advancement rate, as well as track their long-term cooling behaviour (La Palma, Spain). We envisage that the algorithm will prove instrumental for detecting early signs of volcanic activity and following the evolution of eruptive phenomena, providing a useful tool for hazard management and risk reduction applications. Furthermore, the compilation of statistically robust multidecadal thermal datasets will provide novel insights and new perspectives into volcano monitoring, laying the ground for forthcoming higher-resolution TIR missions.