Aerial Mapping Volcanoes With Earth Search’s Hyperspectral Technology Could Prevent Deaths and Property Destruction

Earth Search
Sciences, Inc. http://www.earthsearch.com , announced that a recently completed
two-week scientific project in Ecuador by a world-renowned team of
volcanologists demonstrated that aerial mapping using Earth Search’s
hyperspectral remote sensing technology could prevent deaths and property
destruction when volcanoes erupt.

An Earth Search crew, a film crew and a team of scientists headed by State
University of Buffalo Professor Michael Sheridan flew the company’s
Probe-1 sensor over Ecuador’s towering 15,000-feet-high Tungurahua
volcano. Using the hyperspectral data combined with a 3-D visualization
system developed by Professor Sheridan, the scientists will produce maps
that predict the likely paths of destruction from an eruption.

ESSI chairman Larry Vance said that civil authorities around the world
could use this new system to map areas around active and potentially
active volcanoes to determine how lava flows and mud flows from the
volcano will affect nearby residents, and what would be the safest route
out of the region should evacuation become necessary.

Professor Sheridan is working on this project with Earth Search and
volcanologists Menard Hall and Patty Mothes of the Geophysical Institute of
the National Polytechnic School in Quito, Ecuador.

"This is the first time that hyperspectral information is being used in direct
connection with a volcanic crisis for hazard mitigation," said Sheridan.

ESSI Chairman Larry Vance said, "Thanks to our hyperspectral capability,
the world can receive immediate information on the likely paths of lava
flows, the likely places other than the crater where an eruption may occur,
the possible distribution of harmful ash, and the potential for mudslides
from melting snow and ice. If necessary, the data can be processed in
minutes, so that people’s lives can be saved."

He added that Earth Search plans to offer its hyperspectral imaging
capability as a cutting edge tool in mapping hazardous volcanic zones on
an ongoing basis and was looking forward to any documentaries resulting
from the film footage taken in the flight.

The Earth Search sensor Probe-1 gathers detailed data about solar energy
absorption and reflectance on a volcano’s surface. From that information,
the scientists can identify the mineral composition of analyzed areas,
revealing, for example, if a certain spot is altered or composed of fresh
rock. Areas of altered rock are weaker and have potential for collapsing
and generating destructive, high-speed debris flows. The system to be used
in this study allows for the simultaneous visualization and integration of
data, which can be overlaid on digital topographic models, then rotated and
analyzed.

Professor Sheridan likened the system to 3-D glasses. "Each pair gives you
a different view," he said, "allowing you to see the ground as it exists
beneath the vegetation."

"By putting these layers on top of one another, we can then extrapolate
where flows and avalanches are likely to start and how far and fast they
will travel," he added.

"This is the first such study of an active volcano using tools that may
provide civil protection authorities with better means to protect the public,"
Professor Sheridan said.

This news release includes forward-looking statements that involve a
number of risks and uncertainties. The information reflects numerous
assumptions as to industry performance, general business and economic
conditions, regulatory and legal requirements, taxes and other matters,
many of which are beyond the control of the company. Similarly, this
information assumes certain future business decisions that are subject to
change. There can be no assurance that thee results predicted here will be
realized. Actual results may vary from those represented and those
variations may be material.

Contact:

Earth Search Sciences Inc.
Ken Danchuk, 406/751-5200
[email protected]
http://www.earthsearch.com
or
Stern & Co.
Stephanie Stern, 212/888-0044