Magnetization structure of Nishinoshima volcano, Ogasawara island arc, obtained from magnetic surveys using an unmanned aerial vehicle

Researchers uncovered the first three-dimensional magnetization structure of Nishinoshima volcano, part of the UNESCO-listed Ogasawara Islands, using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) magnetic surveys. The study revealed an average magnetization of 3.0 A/m across the island, along with two strongly magnetized bodies beneath the summit crater and northeastern flank, likely representing chilled magma reservoirs at depths of several hundred meters. Conducted in September 2018 and June 2019, the surveys demonstrated that UAV-based magnetic data collection—combined with advanced 3D inversion analysis—offers a safe, cost-effective method for studying remote volcanic systems. The findings suggest potential for future monitoring of volcanic activity through repeated surveys, which could track changes in magnetization linked to magmatic processes.

Tada, N., Ichihara, H., Nakano, M., Utsugi, M., Koyama, T., Kuwatani, T., Baba, K., Maeno, F., Takagi, A., & Takeo, M. (2021). Magnetization structure of Nishinoshima volcano, Ogasawara island arc, obtained from magnetic surveys using an unmanned aerial vehicle. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 419, 107349. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2021.107349