Thousands of years ago, cataclysmic eruptions at the Greek isle of Santorini caused the formation of a volcanic crater. The volcanic crater in Santorini has endured smaller eruptions as recent as in 1950. However, in 2011, the volcano awoke and is currently active. The article discusses how investigators installed a GPS monitoring system in 2006 to track the movement of the crater and volcano. After tracking it for a number of years, researchers found that the land near the volcano had been swelling at an accelerating rate reaching a growth about 7 inches per year. This was discovered between September 2011 and January 2012. The purpose of this ongoing monitoring is so they can use the information to evaluate the physical features and issues that cause the unrest and possible eruption of the volcano.
I believe that this monitoring system could assist in discovering new information about the inner workings and other mysterious aspects of a volcano. Scientists can potentially find fascinating information unknown to the world. However, there are some things hindering researchers from discovering some of the most scientifically interesting results possible. The greatest obstacle they are facing is the water itself. Most of the deforming land at Santorini is underwater. Not much investigating can occur without the proper seafloor equipment. Soon enough, they will find a way to fix the problem and continue their fascinating research.
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