Monitoring phreatic eruptions can be challenging due to the lack of clear precursors and the harsh conditions in which monitoring instruments must operate. Some of the challenges of monitoring phreatic eruptions include[1][2]:
- Harsh conditions: Monitoring instruments must operate in harsh conditions, including toxic gases and eruptions, which can damage the instruments.
- Lack of clear precursors: Phreatic eruptions often occur with little or no geophysical precursors, making it difficult to predict when they will occur.
- Limited data: There are few detailed, quantitative studies of hazards related to phreatic activity, and the deposits from phreatic eruptions are typically not well preserved in the geological record[3].
- Shallow deformation source: Many phreatic eruptions appear to occur with no significant precursory inflation, which would suggest no pressure buildup and a type 2 eruption mechanism[4][5].
Despite the numerous challenges and obstacles that they face, scientists are persistently and diligently working on developing and refining advanced monitoring techniques in order to gain a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of phreatic eruptions. By doing so, they aim to improve their ability to accurately forecast and predict these natural phenomena, which will ultimately contribute to the overall safety and well-being of communities living in volcanic regions.