Exploring an Active Volcano in Nicaragua

Douglas Gilpin | 6/8/2016

“Doug at Masaya”

This was an opportunity to experience first-hand the workings and feel of an active volcano. The lead scientists were not only very well versed in the project subject, but were also excellent at organizing day-to-day activities. As a bonus, I regard them as friends.

Jennifer Fenner | 6/8/2016

“Travel with Meaning”

Exploring an active volcano in Nicaragua was a once in a lifetime experience. Being able to work with scientists on their research, climb around on an active volcano, and then sharing what I learned with my K-8 students was an enriching and valuable experience. I was able to check in with my students daily and work with the scientists and other volunteers to answer their questions. I really believe this was a once in a lifetime and unique travel experience. I hope our school can continue our relationship with Earthwatch and also I hope I can return again.

Warren Stortroen | Wednesday, March 23, 2016

“EXPLORING VOLCAN MASAYA - ONE OF MY FAVORITE EXPEDITIONS”

This was my fifth time in Nicaragua for exploring the Masaya volcano, and this time the Santiago crater was really active! There was one large boiling red magma lake and another smaller one. We stayed late one evening to see them after dark and the sight was really spectacular! Gas clouds were much less dense than usual, so the lakes were clearly visible from the rim. The park had been closed to tourists, as a precaution, but we were allowed to do our research, so worked on a number of tasks on and around the rim These included the micro-gravity and GPS readings, SO2 readings, a survey of the solitary bee tunnels and a collection of spun glass fibers, "Pele's Hair," emitted by the volcano, for analysis.

We did one hike around the crater and drove to areas downwind of the plume to put out SO2 collector plates, and also put a spectrometer on the taxi roof, connected to a computer and drove back and forth through the plume to measure toxicity of the gas. Other volunteers went with researchers Hilary and Mike to nearby Mt Mombasho for two very successful butterfly collections.

This has been one of my favorite expeditions because of the interesting research and because I enjoy working with Hazel Rymer and the great research staff! And, also because I enjoy seeing Carlos and his family at the Hotel Regis where they always provide a warm welcome and great service during our stay!

I hope that I'll be able to return again next year!

Frank Perkins | Thursday, February 06, 2014

“Related expedition in Costa Rica”

My experience with this project actually dates to 1989 when a very similar project, under the same Principal Investigator was conducted in Costa Rica. It remains one of most memorial expeditions.

The broad objective of our research was prediction of eruptions. To do this, we made precise terrain elevation measurements around the crater, coupled with sensitive gravitational measurements.

The gravity meters were very precise, and they were challenging and fun to operate. They are easily capable of measuring the difference in gravity between the floor and a table top. They use a manually adjusted spring-balanced mass, with the balance read using an optical eyepiece. The instrument needs to be precisely leveled to operate, and, as might be imagined, is very sensitive to the slightest movement. Further, to avoid errors from backlash in the mechanism, the balance needs to be approached from the same direction each time, so an overshoot requires backing off and re-approaching the balance. At each location, two volunteers would take a gravity reading, and they needed to closely agree.

This was all accomplished while crouching on the ground over the big gray box, sometimes with jets of steam shooting out nearby. As we crouched over it, we looked like worshipers to some strange deity. The balancing operation required a degree of skill, and the competitive challenge of getting it right so the reading would agree with your companion's reading made for fun. Tedious fun, but fun!