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- July 27, 2026
[Frontier Letter] SSTAR: a user-friendly framework for detecting and monitoring subtle thermal precursors to volcanic eruptions—application to Shishaldin, Alaska
Volcanic eruptions can be preceded by subtle thermal anomalies of only about 1 K extending over several square kilometers—signals that are easily overlooked by conventional thermal monitoring approaches. In this study, the authors present SSTAR (Subtle Surface Thermal Anomalies Recognizer), a user-friendly application that enables researchers and volcano observatories to detect, map, and monitor these faint thermal precursors using MODIS satellite observations. Building on a validated statistical framework, SSTAR combines an interactive graphical interface with customizable scripts, making advanced thermal anomaly analysis accessible to both specialists and non-specialists. Its application to Shishaldin Volcano (Alaska) reveals that all four eruptions during the past two decades were preceded by diffuse thermal unrest, demonstrating the potential of satellite thermal infrared observations and SSTAR to strengthen volcano monitoring and improve eruption forecasting. SSTAR is implemented as a near-real-time platform at: https://sstar.geo3bcn.csic.es/.
- Girona, T., Brenot, L. 2026: SSTAR: a user-friendly framework for detecting and monitoring subtle thermal precursors to volcanic eruptions—application to Shishaldin, Alaska. Earth Planets Space 78:166, https://doi.org/10.1186/s40623-026-02497-6
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