Volcanic CO2 detection with a DFM/OPA-based lidar

Area of Science:

• Geochemistry
• Volcanology
• Atmospheric Science
• Remote Sensing

Background:

• Volcanic emissions significantly impact atmospheric composition and climate.
• Understanding the CO2 output from hydrothermal vents is crucial for volcanic hazard assessment.
• Previous methods for measuring volcanic CO2 have limitations in spatial and temporal resolution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the capability of a Differential Frequency Modulation/Optical Parametric Amplifier (DFM/OPA)-based lidar system, named BILLI, for measuring volcanic CO2.
• To investigate the CO2 concentrations within the near-vent plume of the Pisciarelli hydrothermal vent at Campi Flegrei.
• To establish a new remote sensing technique for volcanic gas monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the BILLI lidar system, employing differential absorption spectroscopy.
• Conducted remote measurements of CO2 concentrations in cross-sections of the volcanic plume.
• Achieved a spatial resolution of 1.5 meters and a temporal resolution of 20 seconds.

Main Results:

• Successfully measured CO2 concentrations in the volcanic plume using the BILLI lidar.
• Provided detailed cross-sectional data of CO2 distribution near the hydrothermal vent.
• This represents the first documented instance of lidar-based measurement of volcanic CO2.

Conclusions:

• The DFM/OPA-based lidar BILLI is an effective tool for remote measurement of volcanic CO2.
• This technology offers unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution for monitoring volcanic gas emissions.
• The findings pave the way for improved volcanic gas monitoring and hazard analysis.