Scanning tomography of SO(2) distribution in a volcanic gas plume

Journal article

Two-dimensional cross sections of the sulphur dioxide (SO2) distribution in the volcanic gas plume of Mt. Etna were reconstructed using tomographic techniques. The data for these projections were generated by a network of five automated scanning spectrometers, positioned on the flanks of the volcano. These measure slant-column amounts of SO2 at 105 different angles, every four minutes. Stable wind conditions allow the plume to be monitored on 82% of days. A time-series of plume cross sections was computed, revealing the potential of this method to track variations in plume position and structure on timescales of minutes to hours, a result of potential importance for air traffic and civil defence in case of eruption, when copious amounts of fine ash can be transported. Copyright 2008 by the American Geophysical Union.

Authors: Wright, T; Burton, M; Pyle, D; Caltabiano, T

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
• Volume: 35
• Issue: 17
• Publication date: 2008-09-10
• DOI: 10.1029/2008GL034640
• ISSN: 0094-8276
• Language: English