ESA · Space

EarthCARE Satellite Aids Volcanic Ash Monitoring for Air Safety

The European Space Agency's EarthCARE satellite provided crucial data on volcanic plumes, enhancing air safety and offering new insights into climate impacts. Its observations of the Anak Krakatau eruption helped aviation authorities.

EarthCARE captured vertical profiles of volcanic plume constituents during an Anak Krakatau eruption. This data, primarily for climate research, proved valuable for air travel safety by identifying ash and gas concentrations.

Volcanic ash poses risks to aircraft, including engine damage and reduced visibility. Toxic gases also contaminate cabin air. Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres (VAACs) use satellite data to issue warnings.

EarthCARE's atmospheric lidar (ATLID), cloud profiling radar (CPR), and imager (MSI) provided detailed information on aerosol types, altitude, and concentration. ATLID can estimate aerosol types like ash and dust.

MSI data showed volcanic plume components, with purple indicating ash and green highlighting sulphur dioxide. ATLID and CPR measurements revealed layered aerosols, including fine and coarse ash.

The satellite detected features up to 6 km, believed to be larger ash aggregates settling. This suggests large ash particles may remain airborne longer and travel farther than previously assumed.

This information allowed aviation authorities to verify the plume's altitude and westward movement. This real-time data informed aviation advice, helping to keep flights safe.

EarthCARE's tracking of volcanic plumes and aerosols contributes to understanding their climate impacts, similar to its role in monitoring the Mount Ruang eruption.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.