Yandex Introduces Volcanic Ash Distribution Monitoring Service Through Yandex Cloud

The model of monitoring volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Merapi. (Photo; Yandex)

JAKARTA - Yandex has just introduced a significant service that can monitor the spread of volcanic ash and mitigate the impacts it has on society and ecosystems. This indicates a significant step for Yandex in responding to natural disaster problems owned by the rest of the world.

Volcanic ash carries dangerous particles and can damage the environment with extensive impacts. For example, eruptions from Mount Merapi in Indonesia, Fagradalsfjall in Iceland, and Badminton in Russia that cause large amounts of ash emissions, disrupting daily life and causing risks to public safety and infrastructure.

Yandex highlighted the importance of effective monitoring and response mechanisms as an effort to minimize the expansion of post-eruption impacts. Through Yandex Cloud, Yandex Weather, and Yandex School of Data Analytics (YSDA) collaborate to integrate expertise in machine learning, data analysis and meteorology.

Using sophisticated mathematical models, neural networks (implication neural networks/JST) and interactive maps for real-time monitoring of ash clouds. This method is one of the steps to empower the authorities and the public to implement a model of mitigating the spread of volcanic ash.

The use of cloud technology and machine learning services is a qualified solution in overcoming various social challenges, including monitoring of natural phenomena. The mechanism for forecasting volcanic ash spread is important to be accompanied by effective and rapid access to hypothesis testing and model training services. Our project is ready to scale for monitoring of volcanoes around the world, addressing pressing issues regarding volcanic eruptions and their impacts," said Anna Lemimaka, Director of Strategic Projects at Yandex Cloud in an official statement from Yandex, February 21 last week.

This new interactive map service not only tracks the movement of volcanic ash in real-time, but also provides 24-hour weather forecasts, thereby facilitating proactive measures to reduce the impact of volcanic ash. By utilizing Yandex DataSphere, machine learning trained on a variety of data sources, such as satellite imagery and meteorological observations, which will then develop to include high data and ash density. Access to the map is available on demand from international organizations.

Currently, ash mapping innovation is underway for volcanic monitoring on the Kamchatka peninsula in Russia. In the future, services can be expanded to other regions of the world.

Yandex remains committed to using technology for the benefit of society and the environment. Through this collaborative effort, Yandex hopes to overcome the global challenges posed by the spread of volcanic ash, thus contributing significantly to society, to create safer and more resilient mitigation around the world.

"At Yandex, one of our priorities is to use technology for the greater good. We are very happy that joint efforts like this can produce innovative projects that have the potential to benefit local communities and their welfare." Close Alexander Popovskiy, VP Strategy at Yandex Search.

For information, Yandex is a technology company that creates AI products and services supported by machine learning implementation. Since 1997, Yandex has provided a locally relevant world-class search engine service. In addition, Yandex is also developing on-demand transportation services, navigation products, and other mobile applications for millions of consumers worldwide.