Artificial cloud test confirms volcanic ash detection using infrared spectral imaging

Area of Science:

• Earth and Planetary Science
• Atmospheric Science
• Aviation Safety

Background:

• Airborne volcanic ash poses a significant hazard to aviation safety.
• Current detection methods are insufficient for fine ash particles and visual detection is unreliable.
• The 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption highlighted the need for advanced ash detection systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the capability of a novel bi-spectral infrared camera system (AVOID) for detecting volcanic ash.
• To assess the system's performance in detecting and quantifying ash clouds from commercial jet aircraft distances.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of airborne remote sensing for volcanic ash.

Main Methods:

• Development and deployment of a bi-spectral, fast-sampling, uncooled infrared camera (AVOID).
• Conducted an experiment over the Atlantic Ocean using a controlled artificial ash cloud.
• Utilized a second aircraft for ash dispersal and a third for in-situ measurements with optical particle counters.

Main Results:

• The AVOID system successfully detected and quantified volcanic ash clouds at distances of 20-70 km.
• The system identified ash concentrations of approximately 200 μg m⁻³ in a cloud of fine ash (mean radii ~10 μm).
• Demonstrated successful airborne remote detection of volcanic ash from a long-range flight test.

Conclusions:

• The AVOID system shows significant promise for the remote detection of airborne volcanic ash.
• This technology can contribute to keeping airspace open and preventing aircraft groundings during volcanic events.
• Successful long-range flight tests confirm the viability of this approach for enhanced aviation safety.