We know where the volcano is, and we can focus on it.  Volcanoes are really hot (IR sensing) and kill vegetation (MVI). They produce SO2 and fill the atmosphere with particles. We can watch and measure volcanism on a world wide basis with satellites.  We can also use a variety of ground based instruments advantageously and safely.  Our group has been a leader in such applications for decades. Our work is part of an international effort for aircraft safety--see feature article in Earth Magazine, October 2009.  It also is a significant focus of NASA’s Earth Science Remote Sensing effort--see current press release.