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Updated: Jun 12, 2026
07:58
Data Processing Methods for 3D Seismic Imaging of Subsurface Volcanoes: Applications to the Tarim Flood Basalt
Published on: August 7, 2017
In the wake of the Hayli Gubbi eruption
Alexander Ukhov1, Sateesh Masabathini1, Marianthi Pateraki1
1Division of Physical Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955, Saudi Arabia.
Scientific Reports
|June 10, 2026
Summary
This study rapidly estimates volcanic ash and sulfur dioxide emissions from the Hayli Gubbi eruption using satellite data and atmospheric modeling. The findings aid in volcanic hazard assessment by reconstructing emission source terms.
Area of Science:
- Volcanology
- Atmospheric Science
- Remote Sensing
Background:
- Explosive volcanic eruptions necessitate swift, data-driven emission estimates for effective hazard management.
- Accurate quantification of volcanic ash and sulfur dioxide is crucial for assessing eruption impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To rapidly reconstruct time- and height-resolved source terms for volcanic ash and sulfur dioxide emissions.
- To validate atmospheric model outputs against satellite and ground-based observations for a specific eruption.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the WRF-Chem v4.8 atmospheric model to simulate the 23 November 2025 Hayli Gubbi eruption.
- Employed backward trajectories seeded within TROPOMI (TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument) aerosol index and sulfur dioxide plumes.
- Integrated AERONET (AErosol RObotic NETwork) data for validation of ash transport and optical properties.
Main Results:
- Reconstructed ash source term estimated at 0.8 Mt, accurately capturing transport corridors and coarse-mode ash.
- Sulfur dioxide emission estimated at approximately 0.15 Mt, with improved plume simulation using a manually adjusted time-height scenario.
- Simulation showed moderate agreement with observed aerosol optical depth and aerosol middle height.
Conclusions:
- Demonstrated a rapid, observation-constrained method for reconstructing volcanic emission source terms from a single eruption.
- The methodology provides a valuable tool for near-real-time hazard assessment following explosive volcanic events.
- Approximately 6% of fine ash deposited within 28 hours, impacting regions including the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
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