GORISK project

Nyiragongo and Nyamulagira volcanoes, which are amongst the most active in Africa, are sources of several hazards that threaten the region of Goma (N-Kivu, D.R. of Congo). The Nyiragongo eruption that occurred in January 2002 produced spectacular lava flows that destroyed about 10-15 % of the city of Goma and paralyzed ~80 % of the regional economy. Although the amount of casualties was limited, hundred thousands of inhabitants were forced to evacuate in difficult conditions, which added more pressure in a highly politically sensitive area.

The GORISK project is oriented towards the improvement and implementation of techniques dedicated to the study and monitoring of the Nyiragongo. An important GORISK segment concerns the ground deformations monitoring that are amongst the most important parameters to monitor; it is addressed by both spaceborne InSAR and ground based observations (tilt and GPS). Volcanic plume fallouts are also a big concern as it causes damage to vegetation and cultivations and can affect the livestock.

These observations are combined to additional geochemical ground measurements of water quality. In situ measurements can provide useful and sometime crucial clues. Carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and radon (Rn), together with other gases, can migrate from deep reservoirs and exhale through micro seepages to the surrounding areas therefore producing significant enrichments in the atmosphere. CO2 for example can locally concentrate and become a major concern for the population. GORISK also involves the study of the possible impact on health of the volcanic activity. A Belgian NGO, the CEMUBAC is providing an epidemiological study based on data acquired in health centres for the last ~10 years, and on plume dispersion maps created from the VISOR project.

GORISK is funded by the Belgian Science Policy (Belspo) and the National Research Fund of Luxembourg, in the frame of the STEREO II programme.