Characterisation of the Near-Field Eyjafjallajökull Volcanic Plume and its Long-range Influence
Lead Research Organisation:
British Geological Survey
Department Name: Earth Hazards & Observatories
Abstract
The volcanic plume from the Eyjafjallajökull eruption has caused significant disruption to air transport across Europe. The regulatory response, ensuring aviation safety, depends on dispersion models. The accuracy of the dispersion predictions depend on the intensity of the eruption, on the model representation of the plume dynamics and the physical properties of the ash and gases in the plume. Better characterisation of these processes and properties will require improved understanding of the near-source plume region. This project will bring to bear observations and modelling in order to achieve more accurate and validated dispersion predictions. The investigation will seek to integrate the volcanological and atmospheric science methods in order to initiate a complete system model of the near-field atmospheric processes. This study will integrate new modelling and insights into the dynamics of the volcanic plume and its gravitational equilibration in the stratified atmosphere, effects of meteorological conditions, physical and chemical behaviour of ash particles and gases, physical and chemical in situ measurements, ground-based remote sensing and satellite remote sensing of the plume with very high resolution numerical computational modelling. When integrated with characterisations of the emissions themselves, the research will lead to enhanced predictive capability. The Eyjafjallajökull eruption has now paused. However, all three previous historical eruptions of Eyjafjallajökull were followed by eruptions of the much larger Katla volcano. At least two other volcanic systems in Iceland are 'primed' ready to erupt. This project will ensure that the science and organisational lessons learned from the April/May 2010 response to Eyjafjallajökull are translated fully into preparedness for a further eruption of any other volcano over the coming years. Overall, the project will (a) complete the analysis of atmospheric data from the April/May eruption, (b) prepare for future observations and forecasting and (c) make additional observations if there is another eruption during within the forthcoming few years.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Susan Loughlin (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Bonadonna C
(2011)
Future Developments in Modeling and Monitoring of Volcanic Ash Clouds
in Eos, Transactions American Geophysical Union
Bonadonna C
(2011)
Future developments in modelling and monitoring of volcanic ash clouds: outcomes from the first IAVCEI-WMO workshop on Ash Dispersal Forecast and Civil Aviation
in Bulletin of Volcanology
Stevenson J
(2012)
Distal deposition of tephra from the Eyjafjallajökull 2010 summit eruption
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth
Stevenson J
(2013)
UK monitoring and deposition of tephra from the May 2011 eruption of Grímsvötn, Iceland
in Journal of Applied Volcanology
Webster H
(2012)
Operational prediction of ash concentrations in the distal volcanic cloud from the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres
| Description | We identified and characterised ash fall from this eruption at distal sites (e.g. the UK). The grains of ash were distinctive in shape and showed the type of eruption and causes of magma fragmentation. In addition, the range of sizes of grains was an important observation as there were grains larger than 30 micron, ie larger grains than most satellite sensors can detect and these contribute a significant amount of the mass/volume of erupted material. |
| Exploitation Route | We are taking the findings forward by comparing the Eyjafjallajokull ash with ash from other eruptions that distributed material across a wide area. We are looking in particular at the grain size distribution and we expect to see that most eruptions generate ash larger than is currently expected. We are also building a database of default source parameters for use by VAACs. Our findings helped design the volcano-atmosphere theme in the H2020 project EUROVOLC https://eurovolc.eu/?page_id=123 The findings have been combined with global datasets and a publication on transport of large grains (not detected by some EO methods) is in progress. |
| Sectors | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Environment,Security and Diplomacy,Transport |
| Description | We developed a citizen science tool called MyVolcano and engaged with schools and individuals during two volcanic eruptions in Iceland that affected the UK with ash fall. Individuals sent samples and observations to BGS, we engaged with all participants to describe the samples and our research findings. This work was written up in the two listed publications. In 2020, we developed a Europe-wide citizen science tool in an H2020 project (Eurovolc). This enables access to MyVolcano and other citizen science tools across Europe and a V1 should be launched in 2021. This tool will enable transboundary phenomena (such as ash clouds) and hazards to be captured and shared across Europe. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2012 |
| Sector | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Environment,Security and Diplomacy,Transport |
| Impact Types | Societal,Policy & public services |
| Description | Volcanic Ash Advisory Group |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Impact | This project, the advice arising from it and continuing research are ensuring that the Department of Transport and Civil Aviation Authority (and other government departments) receive the best advice on volcanic ash and its impacts. In a future Icelandic eruption generating volcanic ash that affects aviation, the UK will be better prepared to respond to the complex regulatory, scientific and public sector demands. |
| Title | ESP |
| Description | This is a database building on the work of Larry Mastin of USGS. The database provides default eruption source parameters for all volcanoes of the world for use in initiating ash dispersal models. Although the database began mainly as part of the GVM network project, the outcomes of this project ('Characterisation of the Near-Field Eyjafjallajokull Volcanic Plume and its Long-range influence') are also highly relevant and enable effective progress. The database is being developed so that it can be updated with new information. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2016 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | It is enabling close working relationships with Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres worldwide and providing them with information they might not otherwise have access to. |
| Description | ESP working group |
| Organisation | US Geological Survey |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | We are leading this working group that is developing the ESP database and liaising with VAACs and volcano observatories worldwide. |
| Collaborator Contribution | We initiated this working group, mainly under the auspices of the GVM network but also building on research carried out in this project. We are contributing strategy, ideas, research and further contacts. The working group has been active annually and the working group lead has represented GVM at international meetings on ash-aviation. The work is also of relevent to climate change studies and we have held meetings to link activities. |
| Impact | A revised version of the Eruption Source Parameters database is being developed. This collaboration includes mainly earth scientists (volcanologists) but liaising closely with users (atmospheric scientists) at Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres. |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | ESP working group |
| Organisation | University of Barcelona |
| Country | Spain |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We are leading this working group that is developing the ESP database and liaising with VAACs and volcano observatories worldwide. |
| Collaborator Contribution | We initiated this working group, mainly under the auspices of the GVM network but also building on research carried out in this project. We are contributing strategy, ideas, research and further contacts. The working group has been active annually and the working group lead has represented GVM at international meetings on ash-aviation. The work is also of relevent to climate change studies and we have held meetings to link activities. |
| Impact | A revised version of the Eruption Source Parameters database is being developed. This collaboration includes mainly earth scientists (volcanologists) but liaising closely with users (atmospheric scientists) at Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres. |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | ESP working group |
| Organisation | University of Geneva |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We are leading this working group that is developing the ESP database and liaising with VAACs and volcano observatories worldwide. |
| Collaborator Contribution | We initiated this working group, mainly under the auspices of the GVM network but also building on research carried out in this project. We are contributing strategy, ideas, research and further contacts. The working group has been active annually and the working group lead has represented GVM at international meetings on ash-aviation. The work is also of relevent to climate change studies and we have held meetings to link activities. |
| Impact | A revised version of the Eruption Source Parameters database is being developed. This collaboration includes mainly earth scientists (volcanologists) but liaising closely with users (atmospheric scientists) at Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres. |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Title | My Volcano |
| Description | myVolcano is a citizen science app that enables you to share your observations of natural hazards. Upload photos or descriptions of what you've seen, felt, heard or smelt so they can be shared with the myVolcano community. |
| Type Of Technology | Webtool/Application |
| Year Produced | 2012 |
| Impact | This is enabling collaboration with science agencies across Europe and a prototype citizen science tool is in development (H2020 Eurovolc project) that enables access to all volcano citizen science tools. |
| URL | https://www.bgs.ac.uk/technologies/apps/myvolcano/ |
| Description | Vanaheim Science and Stakeholder workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Key stakeholders in the project were invited to see presentations and engage in discussions at the meeting in London. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |