Volcanic Monitoring

The Volcanological and Seismological Observatory (OSV) of Costa Rica and the National University of Costa Rica have teams monitoring and researching the volcanoes around-the-clock. The Costa Rican Institute of Electricity (ICE) because of their geothermal electric plants is heavily involved in volcano monitoring. They are all members of the World Organization of Volcanic Observatories.

Using sophisticated techniques involving satellite data transmission from seismometers and other special sensing devices, robots called ‘spiders’, information from inside and outside the volcano is used to detect any changes in the giant.

Orbiting satellites’ now expand the volcano monitoring capabilities of the world, even in the most remote corners of the globe.

Personnel from Costa Rica’s National Parks continually monitor the activity in each one and ensure the safety of all persons. Visitation within the Parks is controlled by them and they close the Parks when there is the slightest indication that something has changed.

All activity, volcanic, earthquake and other tectonic movements within the Central America Volcanic Arc (CAVA) are recorded and monitored. CAVA is a link in the chain, the Pacific Ring of Fire.