Trajectory matching and dispersion modeling of volcanic plumes utilising space-based observations

Abstract

Within the projects SACS (Support to Aviation Control Service) and Exupery (the mobile volcano fast response system, VFRS) SO2 total columns are retrieved from different space-borne instruments such as GOME-2, SCIAMACHY and OMI. The backward trajectory matching technique is applied to relate exceptional SO2 values to particular sources and volcanic regions. Additionally, the moment of the eruption as well as the emission and the plume height can be estimated. Dispersion modeling is applied to forecast the motion of the plume and to estimate the SO2 emissions.