Drones Sacrificed for Spectacular Volcano Video

Video technology and science converge on an active volcano in Vanuatu, where explorer Sam Cossman operated camera-mounted drones to capture high-definition images of the spectacular yet dangerous Marum Crater.


Cossman and his team piloted the drones over the 7.5-mile-wide (12-kilometer) caldera while confronting toxic gases and boiling lava. Although two drones succumbed to the harsh environment, the team was able to bring back video and photos that will help scientists learn more about the volcano and the life around it.



Read a Q&A with filmmaker Sam Cossman:
http://goo.gl/73rTth

VIDEOGRAPHERS: Sam Cossman, Simon Jardine, and Conor Toukmarkine
SENIOR PRODUCER: Jeff Hertrick
EDITOR: Jennifer Murphy

Text, images and video via National Geographic