Publication Date:
2017-04-03
Description:
In this paper, we use data obtained from LiDAR
measurements during an ash emission event on 15 November
2010 at Mt. Etna, in Italy, in order to evaluate the spatial
distribution of volcanic ash in the atmosphere. A scanning
LiDAR system, located at 7 km distance from the summit
craters, was directed toward the volcanic vents and moved in
azimuth and elevation to analyse different volcanic plume
sections. During the measurements, ash emission from the
North East Crater and high degassing from the Bocca Nuova
Crater were clearly visible. Fromour analysis we were able to:
(1) evaluate the region affected by the volcanic plume presence;
(2) distinguish volcanic plumes containing spherical
aerosols from those having non-spherical ones; and (3) estimate
the frequency of volcanic ash emissions. Moreover, the
spatial distribution of ash mass concentration was evaluated
with an uncertainty of about 50 %.We found that, even during
ash emission episodes characterised by low intensity like the
15 November 2010 event, the region in proximity of the
summit craters should be avoided by air traffic operations,
the ash concentration being greater than 4×10−3g/m3. The use
of a scanning permanent LiDAR station may usefully monitor
the volcanic activity and help to drastically reduce the risks to
aviation operations during the frequent Etna eruptions.
Description:
Published
Description:
2383-2395
Description:
3.6. Fisica del vulcanismo
Description:
JCR Journal
Description:
restricted
Keywords:
lidar
;
volcanic ash
;
01. Atmosphere::01.01. Atmosphere::01.01.08. Instruments and techniques
Repository Name:
Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV)
Type:
article
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