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Taking new technologies to remote corners of the earth.

In May of 2019, Deep Carbon Observatory organized an international, interdisciplinary group of researchers, engineers, and adventurers to dive deep into the rugged, untamed landscape of Papua New Guinea in order to sample carbon isotopes inside active volcanic gas emissions using experimental drone technology. Our assignment was to document the expedition's technical, scientific intensity as well as its intimate cultural interactions with the explicit goal of producing 13 images for display at the Carnegie Institute of Science in Washington DC.

Below you’ll find two distinct collections of images. One series attempts to encapsulate the technical elements of research using clinical approaches to documentation. The second series is a lush, racing collection of images attempting to capture each moment while fully immersed in the Manam island hunter-gather culture.

Out trip begins at Tavurvur, a dormant volcano which, in 1994, demolished the once beautiful area of Rabaul. The “Pearl of the Pacific” as it was called, was leveled by tonnes of ash fall collecting on rooftops throughout the city. When heavy rainfall came days later, the ash was turned to cement, crushing 90% of the structures in Rabaul.

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1 country

2 active volcanos

30 days like never before

Tavurvur Volcano sits in the emerald green bay near Rabaul, New Britain, Papua New Guinea.

Tavurvur Volcano sits in the emerald green bay near Rabaul, New Britain, Papua New Guinea.

Aerial-based Observations of Volcanic Emissions (ABOVE) is an international collaborative project that is changing the way we sample volcanic gas emissions. Harnessing recent advances in drone technology, the aim is to fill gaps in our understanding of global volcanic carbon emissions by acquiring aerial measurements of gas composition directly from within previously inaccessible volcanic plumes. This project transcends traditional discipline boundaries, bringing together scientists, aerospace engineers and pilots to target some of the world’s most inaccessible but strongly degassing volcanoes. In May 2019, a team of 30 researchers undertook an ambitious field deployment in Papua New Guinea. The three-week expedition focused on two volcanoes – Tavurvur, part of the Rabaul volcanic complex, and Manam – both amongst the most prodigious emitters of sulphur dioxide on Earth, and yet lacking any measurements of how much they emit to the atmosphere.
— Emma Liu, Project Lead
 
Scott avoids the blinding equatorial sun while keeping one eye on his drone

Scott avoids the blinding equatorial sun while keeping one eye on his drone

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The research team tested fully the range, endurance and performance of all instruments during the first stage of the expedition at Tavurvur crater, Rabaul, ahead of the second and more challenging research at Manam volcano.
— Emma Liu, Project Lead
 
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The engineering side of the ABOVE project focused on advancing the capabilities of drone-based sampling platforms to reach high-altitude volcanic plumes. Vehicles were equipped with high-powered long-range telemetry, carrying instruments well beyond the visual line of sight. After take-off, onboard flight computers in the drones took over, directing pre-programmed autonomous missions. This image features Dr Jorge Andres Diaz from the University of Costa Rica, trying to keep sight of the drone flying over Tavurvur crater, Rabaul.
— Emma Liu, Project Lead
Various methods of observation and communication are required to maintain control over drones when accessing active volcanos

Various methods of observation and communication are required to maintain control over drones when accessing active volcanos

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The Titan fixed-wing aircraft was used for high-altitude flights into the volcanic plume. The Titan is capable of beyond visual line of sight flights up to 5 kilometers and 2 kilometers in altitude, traversing directly over the summit of the volcano. The MultiGAS sensor for measuring gas concentrations is housed inside the main body of the aircraft, and air from outside is pumped into the instrument. Long-range flights such as these are pushing the boundaries of both science and engineering. This image features Dr Kieran Wood, from the University of Bristol, about to hand-launch the Titan aircraft.
— Emma Liu, Project Lead
 
Hand launching the Titan before flight to Tavurvur crater

Hand launching the Titan before flight to Tavurvur crater

 
Success is often preceded by a learning process, and this expedition was no exception. One of the two Titan fixed-wing aircraft crashed during testing, causing irreparable damage. After several modifications, the second Titan went on to fly three successful missions at Manam.
— Emma Liu, Project Lead
Rabaul locals hold pieces of Titan after a failed flight

Rabaul locals hold pieces of Titan after a failed flight

Hexcopter in flight, night

Hexcopter in flight, night

Hexcopter in flight, day

Hexcopter in flight, day

Testing capture techniques for data retrieval with a hexcopter

Testing capture techniques for data retrieval with a hexcopter

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Fieldwork doesn’t always go as planned. The extreme heat on the crater rim of Tavurvur volcano caused one drone to overheat and shut down. Despite numerous ice packs, and even a spell in the freezer, the drone never recovered. This image features Julian Rüdiger and Alexandra Gutmann, from the University of Mainz, contemplating solutions that would enable their data collection flights.
— Emma Liu, Project Lead
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The crater rim of Tavurvur. Look close to see our team in the bottom left corner.

The crater rim of Tavurvur. Look close to see our team in the bottom left corner.

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Far from the volcano, the threat of earthquakes and tsunami warnings are ever present. Here, photos show the aftermath of a 7.4 earthquake which struck at midnight, sending lamps crashing to the floor and splitting fissures in the ground near our main research outpost.
— Matthew Wordell, Photographer
 
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The Journey to Manam

After 6 days of research at Tavurvur, our campaign was packed and traveling toward our next objective - Manam, a remote and isolated active volcanic island off the coast of Madang, Papua New Guinea. Manam is an idyllic, tropical island bursting with fruit and flowers, populated by friendly natives whose subsistence is rooted in a mix of slash and burn agriculture, forest foraging, basic animal husbandry, and fishing in nearby reefs. Water is drawn from deep wells near the ocean and rain water is collected from the roof of a primary house in the center of Baliau and stored in a large tank. The island has no electricity or gas, no access to medical resources, and relies primarily on a system of trade between islanders and groups on the mainland.

Life is hard for Manam Islanders and their constant exposure to volcanic activity has resulted in Papua New Guinea designating them as IDP’s - Internally Displaced Peoples - while living on their own native land. Government support is scarce and the possibility of losing crops and access to water as a result of eruptions is a daily fear.

However, in the face of challenge and the ongoing hardship of life on a volcanic island, Manam Islanders radiate happiness and a sense of welcoming that immediately made us feel like family. We were invited into their community through a traditional “Welcoming Ceremony” which signifies their willingness to share with us, answer questions, and build life-long friendships. By participating in this ceremony, we accept their invitation and say to their community - ask us, befriend us, spend time with us, we are here to be a resource for you.

Francis prepares for the welcoming ceremony

Francis prepares for the welcoming ceremony

 
Manam men take turns applying paint behind the village parliament building

Manam men take turns applying paint behind the village parliament building

 
Plant based paint is used to adorn dancers

Plant based paint is used to adorn dancers

 
Each dancer has a unique way of adorning their body

Each dancer has a unique way of adorning their body

The ceremony begins with drumming and dancing, shells attached to the dancers legs accentuate the rhythmic steps during the dance

The ceremony begins with drumming and dancing, shells attached to the dancers legs accentuate the rhythmic steps during the dance

 
 
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Arriving at Manam, the atmosphere of the expedition altered perceptibly. The research strategy of the team became more fluid, less rigidly structured. This shift was partly in response to the numerous challenges presented by the new environment on Manam, but also in reaction to engagement by the local community, which introduced valuable knowledge exchange in both directions. This image features Dr Scott Nowicki from the University of New Mexico, US, sharing the camera view from an airborne quadcopter drone.
— Emma Liu, Project Lead
 
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The community welcomed the research team with warmth and generosity, encouraging the group to integrate into the culture of Baliau village. Dancing and music is integral to the island culture, which they shared in a welcome celebration that captured the communal spirit that sustains their community. This image features Emily Mason, a PhD student at the University of Cambridge, UK.
— Emma Liu, Project Lead
 
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Engineering challenges were solved with only basic resources. Instead of being a limitation, however, this minimal setup stimulated ever more resourceful solutions. After a set of motors burned out in one aircraft, motors from another were successfully removed and re-installed in the one needing repair. This image features Dr Jorge Andres Diaz from the University of Costa Rica explaining the repair process to the local community.
— Emma Liu, Project Lead
 
 
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A young Manam boy watches the Pegasus VTAL (vertical take-off and landing) during vertical take off.

A young Manam boy watches the Pegasus VTAL (vertical take-off and landing) during vertical take off.

 
 
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The sole school on Manam struggles to remain open in the face of on-going natural hazards. Resources to build its resilience are limited. This image features a makeshift cinema that the research team set up in a classroom to show videos of the research at Manam and at other volcanoes around the world. Placing Manam in a global context, the students learned of other communities living in the shadow of active volcanos.
— Emma Liu, Project Lead
 
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Manam is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. A large eruption at Manam occurred one month after the ABOVE expedition, during which heavy ash fall caused considerable damage to homes and crops, while contaminating water supplies. The island community continues to prepare for the cascading hazards that may result from future eruptions. It is hoped that, through volcanological research such as the ABOVE expedition, scientists can translate new discoveries into positive impacts for affected communities like those of Manam and Rabaul, and others around the globe.
— Emma Liu, Project Lead
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Rain begins to fall during our final day on Manam. Francis and other islanders perform a farewell ceremony.

Rain begins to fall during our final day on Manam. Francis and other islanders perform a farewell ceremony.

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For images of previous volcanological expeditions click here.