Characterisation of the Near-Field Eyjafjallajökull Volcanic Plume and its Long-range Influence

Lead Research Organisation: University of Manchester
Department Name: Earth Atmospheric and Env Sciences

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.
 
Description During the course of this grant we characterised an airborne instrument, originally designed for cloud droplet measurements, for its response to volcanic ash. We were able to assess the volume of the ash particles from these measurements and, using typically densities of the ash collected from the surface, derive a mass loading from our in situ measurements of the ash cloud during the 2010 Icelandic eruption.
We went on to show that these measurements compared well with electron microscope measurements of ash size and hence mass.
Exploitation Route see impact
Sectors Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Environment,Government, Democracy and Justice,Transport
 
Description The findings of this research were used by the Met Office to provide an in situ comparison of ash mass during the Eyafyallajokull ash cloud event and compared very favorably with ground based remote sensing methods. The latter verified Met Office forecasts of the ash clouds. Subsequently, the Met Office has been tasked by the Department of Transport to set up a response aircraft in the event of another ash cloud in UK airspace. The work done on the probe verification during this grant has allowed the Met Office to invest in the probe on its response aircraft in the knowledge that similar data inversions can be performed reliably in the future.
First Year Of Impact 2011
Sector Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Environment,Government, Democracy and Justice,Transport
Impact Types Societal
 
Description Volcanic Ash Observation Review group
Geographic Reach Asia 
Policy Influence Type Participation in a guidance/advisory committee
Impact Advice to Department for Transport on the UK preparedness for a future eruption similar to the eruption resulting from the 2014 Eyafyallajokull eruption in Iceland.
 
Description Manchester Science Festival 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Manchester Science Festival is a one week event in November each year. Throughout the week a number of stalls are open for the public to engage with a range of different areas of research through interactive demos and discussions with staff engaged in the research.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2014,2015
URL http://www.manchestersciencefestival.com/information/about-the-festival