G-VEWERS

Overview

Building on the success of the CEOS-WGD Volcano Pilot (2014–2017) and Volcano Demonstrator (2019–2023) projects, CEOS approved the launch of the Global Volcano Early Warning and Eruption Response from Space (G-VEWERS) initiative in 2024. G-VEWERS represents a major step toward realizing the vision for satellite-based volcano monitoring first articulated at the 2012 Santorini conference (see Satellite Earth Observation for Geohazard Risk Management, Bally, 2012 – pdf).

The initiative aims to deliver global early warning and eruption response capabilities by leveraging high-resolution SAR and optical satellite data, while also integrating these with other widely available Earth observation datasets. Monitoring priorities follow the framework established by Pritchard et al. (2022):

High-risk, frequently or continuously active volcanoes are targeted for daily imaging.
Restless or lower-hazard erupting volcanoes are monitored on a weekly basis.
Low-hazard, quiescent volcanoes are assessed quarterly to annually.

Through this tiered approach, G-VEWERS seeks to enhance situational awareness, improve eruption forecasting, and strengthen global resilience to volcanic hazards.

Volcano Pilot

Volcano Demonstrator

Publications