Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/K007912/1
Quantifying volcanic ash using the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI).
Training Grant Award
- Lead Supervisor:
- Professor M Watson, University of Bristol, Earth Sciences
- Grant held at:
- University of Bristol, Earth Sciences
- Science Area:
- Atmospheric
- Earth
- Overall Classification:
- Atmospheric
- ENRIs:
- Environmental Risks and Hazards
- Science Topics:
- None
- Abstract:
- The eruptions of Eyjafjallajokull and Grimsvotn volcanoes in Iceland highlighted the need to be able to both measure and predict concentrations of volcanic ash in European airspace. Given that satellite observations can only provide a synoptic, observational snapshot while dispersion modelling is the only way to make predictions of future locations of volcanic ash, there is much to be gained by combinations of the two techniques. One simple way to facilitate this is to consider the key parameters that drive the dispersion modelling and attempt to improve their retrieval from satellite observations. Arguably the most poorly constrained of the important parameters is the particle size distribution of volcanic ash. Observations of particle size distributions of airborne volcanic ash are rare because manned in situ measurements are inherently dangerous and, until recently, satellite observations have lacked the necessary spectral information. With the launch of hyperspectral satellite instruments, IASI being the most recent, the number of measurements at different infrared wavelengths has increased from a handful, in multispectral sensors such as MODIS, to thousands in IASI data. This increased number of measurements provides the potential to retrieve the particle size distribution key to driving dispersion models. In this project the student will use a radiative transfer forward model, based on MODTRAN, and a Mie-based scattering model to predict the spectral shapes of different volcanic glasses and to investigate changes in composition, ash cloud height and, critically, particle size distribution as a function of time. These will be used to determine the minimum detectable change in particle size from IASI observations and to develop a retrieval scheme to look at changes in particle size distribution (through processes such as fallout and aggregation) through time.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/K007912/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- DTG - directed
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Open CASE
This training grant award has a total value of £68,671
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Fees | Total - RTSG | Total - Student Stipend |
|---|---|---|
| £13,978 | £5,499 | £49,194 |
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