Three-dimensional concentration mapping of gases using a portable mass spectrometer system

Area of Science:

• Geophysics
• Environmental Science
• Volcanology

Background:

• Volcanic eruptions release hazardous gases, posing risks to surrounding areas.
• Understanding gas dispersion is crucial for geophysical comprehension and hazard assessment.
• In-situ measurements are vital for accurate monitoring of volcanic emissions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a method for visualizing hazardous gaseous emissions at volcanoes.
• To integrate in-situ mass spectrometry (MS) data with geophysical and remote sensing data.
• To demonstrate the capability of 3D gas concentration mapping for hazard assessment and urban contamination monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Acquisition of in-situ gas species data (He, CO2, SO2) using a quadrupole-based mass spectrometry (MS) system.
• Integration of MS data with Global Position Systems (GPS), ground imagery, topography, and remote sensing data from the CARTA mission.
• Utilizing multiple transportation platforms (aircraft, auto, hand-carried) for versatile in-situ MS measurements.

Main Results:

• Successful three-dimensional (3D) visualization of volcanic plumes and gas concentration mapping.
• Demonstration of gas mapping at volcanic structures and urban areas, highlighting potential applications in urban contamination.
• Validation of the combined data approach as a superior tool for assessing hazardous conditions and modeling volcanic activity scenarios.

Conclusions:

• The integrated approach of in-situ MS and geospatial data provides enhanced visualization and understanding of volcanic emissions.
• This methodology offers a powerful tool for real-time hazard assessment, risk mitigation, and environmental monitoring.
• The MS system's versatility across platforms and its application in urban contamination mapping show broad potential for environmental and safety applications.