Utilizing a Value Chain Format to Communicate the Socioeconomic Benefits of Satellite Observations for Warning of Volcanic Hazards

Communicating the socioeconomic benefits of meteorological and environmental satellite observations can be challenging. A value chain format is a catalyst that facilitates an understanding of how observations are transformed into usable and actionable information. The benefits from this micro-level example are derived from the ability to detect and forecast volcanic activity by avoiding the hazards both on the ground and in the air, thereby reducing time delays and preventing damage, injuries, and fatalities. A comparison of analytic methodologies utilizing different environmental sensors provides another method for illuminating the value of the combined detection capabilities of multiple satellites and exemplifies a portion of the attributes described in this volcanic-centric value chain. The ability to detect volcanic activity and the observations available for forecasting the movement of hazardous aerosols are evident in this analysis. Useful and actionable information is produced by satellite observations.