WOVOdat web service data retrieval system for comprehensive volcano monitoring

Abstract WOVOdat, the World Organization of Volcano Observatories database, serves as a repository for global volcano unrest data, housed within a MySQL structure and accessible via the user-friendly web interface, wovodat.org. This paper introduces a novel web service tool designed to facilitate seamless access to this wealth of data, streamlining the search process through structured query scripts. This tool enables users to effortlessly modify variable values to suit their specific needs, enhancing the efficiency of data retrieval. We explore the numerous benefits of employing web services, highlighting their convenience and effectiveness, particularly in handling large datasets. By leveraging the Web Service Interface (WSI), users can retrieve data by specifying key parameters such as volcano name, data type, and time range in a standardized format over HTTP. Additionally, the Application Programming Interface (API) endpoint facilitates the integration of functionalities into scripts, enabling automated data retrieval for further analysis. By offering flexible access options to WOVOdat, the web service tool simplifies the exploration of its comprehensive global volcano unrest data. Leveraging the wealth of compiled unrest datasets, researchers can identify key precursory patterns and their correlations, thereby improving statistical analysis capabilities for eruption forecasts. The database also enables researchers to understand volcanic processes, compare volcanic behavior across diverse volcanoes worldwide, and conduct analogue studies, contributing to a deeper understanding of volcanic activity and its associated hazards.