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Frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radar is known for distance and velocity measurements of close and slow targets, i.e., targets with round-trip delays much shorter and Doppler periods much longer than the chirp repetition period. Solutions for distant targets have been presented for advanced FMCW radar architectures. Here, we analyze how a conventional homodyne I-channel FMCW radar can be used for a multitarget setting without the restrictions of close and slow targets. In a long-range setting, each target appears at two different ranges with opposite velocities. We develop a pure data processing solution to resolve this ambiguity and validate this approach through simulations and experimental results with a long-range moving test target. The work is motivated by our goal to use an off-the-shelf, low-power, and low-cost 24-GHz I-channel FMCW Doppler radar for continuous observation of volcanic eruptions and pyroclastic flows. These targets are moving at high speed and, for safety reasons, can only be observed from a greater distance, requiring the high-velocity long-range solution.

Open Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL., Analyzing video data from an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) of two short-lived dome building events at Anak Krakatau volcano (Indonesia), we determine vertical and horizontal movements of the dome surface prior to explosions, as well as initial eruption velocities and mass eruption rates via automated feature tracking and other photogrammetric methods. Initial eruption velocities and mass eruption rates are estimated as a proxy for eruptive strength. Eruptive strength is found to correlate with deformation magnitude, i.e., larger pre-explosion surface displacements are followed by both higher initial eruption velocities and mass fluxes. In accord with other studies, our observations can be explained by an overpressure underneath the dome’s surface. We assume that the dome seals the underlying vent efficiently, meaning that pre-explosion pressure build-up controls both deformation magnitude and eruptive strength. We support this assumption by a simple numerical model indicating that pre-explosion pressure increases between 8 and 16 MPa. The model further reveals that the two events vary significantly with respect to the importance of lateral visco-elastic flow for pressurization and deformation. The video sequences also show considerable variations in the gas release and associated deformation characteristics. Both constant and accelerating deformation is observed. Our case study demonstrates that photogrammetric methods are suitable to provide quantitative constraints on both effusive and explosive activity. Future work can build on our or similar approaches to develop automated monitoring strategies that would enable the observation and analysis of volcanic activity in near real time during a volcanic crisis., We would like to thank M. Rietze, who kindly provided us with the video sequences used in this study. He also supplied all the additional information on the video acquisition without which the processing of the films would not have been possible. TD is supported by the Icelandic Research Fund grant Nr. 206527-051. Additionally, we would like to thank Michael R. James for acting as associate editor and for providing us with helpful comments on the manuscript. Likewise, we are grateful to Richard Herd and an anonymous reviewer for their constructive comments and suggestions., Pre-print (óritrýnt handrit)

Surface displacements recorded in volcanically active regions are often driven by magmatic, hydrothermal or tectonic processes. Measuring the deformation experienced by the ground as a result of these processes allows to constrain the changing volcanic conditions and to infer quantitative estimates of the subsurface magmatic storage, thus increasing the knowledge of volcanic hazards for the closest local population. Interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) has proven to be an useful tool to observe ground deformation in volcanically active areas like the Sakurajima volcano, southern Japan, one of the most active volcanoes worldwide. Its current activity is characterized by degassing and almost daily explosive eruptions. We performed an InSAR time series analysis to identify and characterize time-dependent ground deformation using Sentinel-1 data between 2015 and 2020. During this period several large explosions with plume heights of up to 6000 m occurred. We found evidence of ground deformation associated with precursory inflation connected to major explosions. In addition, we processed interferograms spanning a remarkable event that occurred on August 15 2015, in which we identified strong deformation around the Showa crater, in agreement with previous studies.

Among others, the transient electromagnetic method (TEM) is used in investigating volcanic systems. It is capable of imaging conductive structures, such as hydrothermal systems and magmatic pathways, which are of great volcanological interest since they are attributed a key role in volcanic eruptions. Based on this motivation, we aim to investigate the medium depth resistivity structure of Stromboli volcano, Italy. Its persistent activity makes it an ideal target to investigate whether TEM can image changes in the subsurface conductivity structure associated with volcanic eruptions.In order to determine a reasonable measurement configuration, we conduct so-called virtual experiments, i.e., three-dimensional TEM simulations on a digital elevation model. The sophisticated routine combines vectoral finite elements for spatial discretization and a time integration based on a Krylov subspace method. Furthermore, in order to minimize computational cost and run-time, automated adaptive mesh refinement is included.Within the presentation, we introduce our modelling workflow and simulation routine, and link our numerical findings to the results of our field measurement at Stromboli volcano, Italy, in June 2019.

The geodynamical side of explosive volcanic eruption modelling on the one hand, as well as the petrological one on the other, have reached a high degree of sophistication and maturity independently from each other over the years. Unfortunately, adherents of one discipline often only utilize the other’s tools in a simplified and makeshift way, obscuring the full potential of their synergies. Over the past decade efforts have been made to re-integrate both approaches to the issue into a more holistic view on the sub-surface processes leading to and concurrent with explosive volcanism.One of the difficulties encountered in that effort are conceptual and technical incompatibilities between thermo- and fluid-dynamic modelling toolboxes. While the tools perform well individually, they are often not suitable to work in combination in highly complex numerical models, due to interface problems impeding performance.For an ongoing numerical study on transport processes within a volcanic conduit, it has been deemed necessary to re-implement an established thermodynamic model based on Holland and Powell (2011, and follow-ups) in order to a) attain the required computing performance and b) to gain sufficient petrological insight (starting from a geophysical point of view) to be able to make apt use of the tool then at hand.The path to the intermediate goal of deriving the thermodynamic and transport properties (e.g. density, viscosity, heat capacity and conductivity) in a self-consistent and stable manner suitable for further use in a numerical fluid-dynamics model is illustrated here. The focus is on problems encountered with the petrological modelling, and on the subsequent derivation of the above properties, that are not directly available from the former results. The methods presented are general and applicable to various settings regarding volcanic chemistry and transport processes, however, they will be demonstrated on low-viscosity open-conduit systems typical for strombolian activity.

Immediate detection of volcanic eruptions is essential when trying to mitigate the impact on the health of people living in the vicinity of a volcano or the impact on infrastructure and aviation. Eruption detection is most often done by either visual observation or the analysis of acoustic data. While visual observation is often difficult due to environmental conditions, infrasound data usually provide the onset of an event. Doppler radar data, admittedly not available for a lot of volcanoes, however, provide information on the dynamics of the eruption and the amount of material released. Eruptions can be easily detected in the data by visual analysis and here we present a neural network approach for the automatic detection of eruptions in Doppler radar data. We use data recorded at Colima volcano in Mexico in 2014/2015 and a data set recorded at Turrialba volcano between 2017 and 2019. In a first step we picked eruptions, rain and typical noise in both data sets, which were the used for training two networks (training data set) and testing the performance of the network using a separate test data set. The accuracy for classifying the different type of signals was between 95 and 98% for both data sets, which we consider quite successful. In case of the Turriabla data set eruptions were picked based on observations of OVSICORI data. When classifying the complete data set we have from Turriabla using the trained network, an additional 40 eruptions were found, which were not in the OVSICORI catalogue.In most cases data from the instruments are transmitted to an observatory by radio, so the amount of data available is an issue. We therefore tested by what amount the data could be reduced to still be able to successfully detect an eruption. We also kept the network as small as possible to ideally run it on a small computer (e.g. a Rasberry Pi architecture) for eruption detection on site, so only the information that an eruption is detected needs to be transmitted.

In February 2019 we completed the installation of a ten instrument network at Sakurajima volcano, Japan. The network includes three Doppler radar systems to record eruption velocities and amount of ejected material at Minamidake crater. Those instruments are located to the East of the volcano at a distance of about 4.5 km to the vent. We also installed three field mills to measure the electric field that is generated during an eruption due to charging of the volcanic plume. Those instruments are located to the East, North and West of the volcano at different distances. The network is completed by a weather station to monitor environmental conditions, an absolute pressure sensor for recording infrasound data, and a broadband seismometer. As an additional instrument we installed a thunderstorm detector BTD300. In a first step we use the infrasound data (complemented by four stations from the japanese network) to generate an event catalog. The main reason for doing this is the fact that the Japanese Meteorological Society (responsible for monitoring) only reports eruptions higher than 1000 m above the vent, but there are certainly more but smaller eruptions. The event catalog based on infrasound data is complemented by the events detected by our radar systems and the field mills. In the presentation we will discuss the detection limits of the network as well as the observed electrification of the volcanic cloud that may lead to lightning, which leaves a clear signal in the electric field data. We will present some initial numerical simulations on where the strongest electric field in an eruption column occurs and discuss the impact of charging due to fractoemission and triboelectrification. Using the measured data and our initial numerical model calculations we explore which dynamic conditions appear to be favorable for lightning to occur and which not.

Volcanic ash clouds can present an aviation hazard over distances of thousands of kilometres and, to help to mitigate this hazard, advanced numerical models are used to forecast ash dispersion in the atmosphere. However, forecast accuracy is usually limited by uncertainties in initial conditions such as the eruption rate and the vertical distribution of ash injected above the volcano. Here, we demonstrate the potential of the Telematics Earth Observation Mission (TOM) picosatellite formation, due for launch in 2020, to provide valuable information for constraining ash cloud dispersion models through simultaneous image acquisition from three satellites. TOM will carry commercial frame cameras. Using photogrammetric simulations, we show that such data should enable ash cloud heights to be determined with a precision (~30–140 m depending on configuration) comparable to the vertical resolution of lidar observations (30–180 m depending on the cloud height). To support these estimates, we processed photographs taken from the International Space Station of the 2009 Sarychev Peak eruption, as a proxy for TOM imagery. Structure-from-motion photogrammetric software successfully reconstructed the 3-D form of the ascending ash cloud, as well as surrounding cloud layers. Direct estimates of the precision of the ash cloud height measurements, as well as comparisons between independently processed image sets, indicate that a vertical measurement precision of ~200 m was achieved. Image sets acquired at different times captured the plume dynamics and enabled a mean ascent velocity of 14 m s−1 to be estimated for regions above 7 km. In contrast, the uppermost regions of the column (at a measured cloud top height of ~11 km) were not ascending significantly, enabling us to constrain a 1-D plume ascent model, from which estimates for the vent size (50 m) and eruption mass flux (2.6 × 106 kg s−1) could be made. Thus, we demonstrate that nanosatellite imagery has the potential for substantially reducing uncertainties in ash dispersion models by providing valuable information on eruptive conditions.

Pyroclastic density currents are one of the most devastating volcanic hazards. Understanding their dynamics is a key to develop successful hazard mitigation strategies. The hazard associated with pyroclastic density currents is commonly investigated a posteriori from their deposits or a priori using analogue and numerical experiments. Despite the low probability of observing a natural moving pyroclastic density current, we present the first in-situ analysis of the internal particle velocities of pyroclastic density currents at Volcán de Colima using a Doppler radar. Our data show two Vulcanian explosions, immediately followed by column collapse and a first pyroclastic density current travelling down the south flank with an average speed of 30 m/s (>50 m/s maximum speed) to a distance of 3 km from the crater rim. The direction of the pyroclastic density current coincided with that of the radar beam enabling measurement of velocity spectra (histogram of particle velocities within the radar beam). The measurement geometry enables the simultaneous measurement of the dense undercurrent at the crater rim (with 20 m/s and approximately constant echo power). The presented data set may be used as a benchmark for future experimental and numerical models that simulate the dynamics of pyroclastic density currents. Using the measured velocities of the collapsing column as input for numerical models will permit the validation of the models for the prediction of the true run-out distance, and thus provide valuable information for hazard assessments.

In late 2008 we recorded a continuous multi-parameter data set including Doppler radar, infrared and infrasound data at Yasur volcano, Vanuatu. Our recordings cover a transition in explosive style from ash-rich to ash-free explosions followed again by a phase of high ash discharge. To assess the present paradigm of Strombolian behavior in this study we investigate the geophysical signature of these different explosive episodes and compare our results to observations at Stromboli volcano, Italy. To this end we characterize Yasur's surface activity in terms of material movement, temperature and excess pressure. The joint temporal trend in these data reveals smooth variations of surface activity and regime-like persistence of individual explosion forms over days. Analysis of all data types shows ash-free and ash-rich explosive styles similar to those found at Stromboli volcano. During ash-free activity low echo powers, high explosion velocities and high temperatures result from the movement of isolated hot ballistic clasts. In contrast, ash-rich episodes exhibit high echo powers, low explosion velocities and low temperatures linked to the presence of colder ash-rich plumes. Furthermore ash-free explosions cause high excess pressure signals exhibiting high frequencies opposed to low-amplitude, low-frequency signals accompanying ash-rich activity. To corroborate these findings we compare fifteen representative explosions of each explosive episode. Explosion onset velocities derived from Doppler radar and infrared camera data are in excellent agreement and consistent with overall observations in each regime. Examination of infrasound recordings likewise confirms our observations, although a weak coupling between explosion velocity and excess pressure indicates changes in wave propagation. The overall trend in explosion velocity and excess pressure however demonstrates a general correlation between explosive style and explosion intensity, and points to stability of the uppermost conduit on timescales shorter than at Stromboli volcano.

Dispersion of volcanic emissions in the Earth atmosphere is of interest for climate research, air traffic control as well as human wellbeing. Current volcanic emission dispersion models rely on fixed grid structures that often are not able to resolve the fine filamented structure of volcanic emissions while being transported in the atmosphere. Here we extend an existing adaptive semi-Lagrangian advection model for volcanic emissions including the sedimentation of volcanic ash. The advection of volcanic emissions is driven by a pre-calculated wind field. For evaluation of the model, the explosive eruption of Mount Pinatubo in June 1991 is chosen, which was one of the largest eruptions in the 20th Century. We compare our simulations of the climactic eruption on June 15, 1991 to satellite data of the Pinatubo ash cloud and evaluate different sets of input parameters. We could reproduce the general advection of the Pinatubo ash cloud and owing to the adaptive mesh, simulations could be performed at a high local resolution while minimizing computational cost. Differences to the observed ash cloud are attributed to uncertainties in the input parameters and the pass by of Typhoon Yunya, which is probably not completely resolved in the wind data used to drive the model. Best results were achieved for simulations with multiple ash particle sizes.

Understanding the dynamics of ongoing volcanic eruptions is essential for predicting the input and transport of volcanic ash in the atmosphere. To constrain near-vent dynamic processes of explosive Vulcanian events, we used Doppler radar measurements, providing tephra velocities and a proxy of the mass flux, in two field experiments at Volcan de Colima (Mexico) and Santiaguito (Guatemala). We find that explosive eruptions at both volcanoes consist of individual degassing pulses. The analysis of the timing of such pulses shows that both volcanoes have preferred interpulse times of 3 s (Santiaguito) and 2–5 s (Volcan de Colima). The interpulse time during one event may change, but it often returns to the preferred interpulse time. This behavior is similar at both volcanoes and the interpulse time roughly follows a log-logistic distribution indicating the interplay of two competing processes. These could be short-duration degassing of the uppermost conduit versus decreasing permeability due to progressive gas loss and compaction during an eruption.

The most commonly used method for satellite cloud top height (CTH) compares brightness temperature of the cloud with the atmospheric temperature profile. Because of the uncertainties of this method, we propose a photogrammetric approach. As clouds can move with high velocities, even instruments with multiple cameras are not appropriate for accurate CTH estimation. Here we present two solutions. The first is based on the parallax between data retrieved from geostationary (SEVIRI, HRV band; 1000 m spatial resolution) and polar orbiting satellites (MODIS, band 1; 250 m spatial resolution). The procedure works well if the data from both satellites are retrieved nearly simultaneously. However, MODIS does not retrieve the data at exactly the same time as SEVIRI. To compensate for advection in the atmosphere we use two sequential SEVIRI images (one before and one after the MODIS retrieval) and interpolate the cloud position from SEVIRI data to the time of MODIS retrieval. CTH is then estimated by intersection of corresponding lines-of-view from MODIS and interpolated SEVIRI data. The second method is based on NASA program Crew Earth observations from the International Space Station (ISS). The ISS has a lower orbit than most operational satellites, resulting in a shorter minimal time between two images, which is needed to produce a suitable parallax. In addition, images made by the ISS crew are taken by a full frame sensor and not a push broom scanner that most operational satellites use. Such data make it possible to observe also short time evolution of clouds.

Lava flow monitoring using satellites provides information on the temporal evolution of volcanic activity. It is usually done using metrological satellites because of the lack of more suitable satellites. The advantage of many meteorological satellites is the availability of appropriate spectral bands. For lava flow monitoring are most useful data in spectrum 3–4 μm (MIR) and 9–12 μm (TIR). However, the spatial resolution of meteorological satellites is usually very coarse causing uncertainties in results. Here we present the first long term satellite monitoring of an active lava flow on Stromboli volcano (end of August till the beginning of November 2014) in high spatial resolution (160 m) and relatively high temporal resolution (~3 days). We analysed data from a test satellite TET-1, which is a test satellite developed at DLR. It carries an instrument dedicated to monitoring of high temperature events. MIR band observations are often saturated at the meteorological satellites. This is not the case of TET-1, although their spatial resolution is very fine for a thermal sensor. TET-1 retrieved 27 datasets over Stromboli during its effusive activity. Some of images were cloudy situations, but most of them were very useful for monitoring of the lava flow radiant power.

International audience; When teaching at a non-English language university, we often argue that because English is the international language, students need to become familiar with English terms, even if the bulk of the class is in the native language. However, to make the meaning of the terms clear, a translation into the native language is always useful. Correct translation of terminology is even more crucial for emergency managers and decision makers who can be confronted with a confusing and inconsistently applied mix of terminology. Thus, it is imperative to have a translation that appropriately converts the meaning of a term, while being grammatically and lexicologically correct, before the need for use. If terms are not consistently defined across all languages following industry standards and norms, what one person believes to be a dog, to another is a cat. However, definitions and translations of English scientific and technical terms are not always available, and language is constantly evolving. We live and work in an international world where English is the common language of multi-cultural exchange. As a result, while finding the correct translation can be difficult because we are too used to the English language terms, translated equivalents that are available may not have been through the peer review process. We have explored this issue by discussing grammatically and lexicologically correct French, German, Icelandic, Indonesian, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Japanese versions for terms involved in communicating effusive eruption intensity.

Recent studies strongly suggest that volcanic ash can fertilize the surface ocean by releasing soluble iron. However, the volcanic and atmospheric processes that solubilize ash iron during its transport from the volcano to the ocean are poorly understood. Using thermodynamic equilibrium calculations, we investigate the influence of gas–ash interaction within the hot core (T > 600 °C) of the volcanic plume and the consequences of this for ash iron solubility. Simulations are performed by considering the plume hot core as a box model in which 1000 °C magmatic gas, ash and 25 °C ambient air are mixed together. We show that mixing and the resulting cooling of the gas–ash–air mixture affect the mineralogy and oxidation state of iron in the ash surface rim. Iron mineralogy in the ash surface layer after high-temperature plume processing is primarily governed by the ratio of the H2 and H2S content of the magmatic gas to the amount of entrained O2 into the hot plume (Xmix). The model results indicate that most of the iron in the ash surface layer is oxidized to ferric iron (Fe(III)) when log Xmix drops below − 3.5 in the hot core. Such conditions may be encountered at convergent plate volcanoes, which release H2O-rich magmatic gases. In contrast, high temperature gas–ash interaction at divergent plate and hot spot volcanoes, which tend to be associated with CO2-rich and SO2-rich magmatic gases, respectively, may produce ash surfaces where iron mostly occurs as ferrous (Fe(II)). These volcanoes seem to be more favorable for iron fertilization because log Xmix does not fall below − 3.5 and > 80% of the iron in the ash surface remains ferrous (Fe(II)), which is more soluble in water than Fe(III).

[1] We describe a multiparameter experiment at Erebus volcano, Antarctica, employing Doppler radar, video, acoustic, and seismic observations to estimate the detailed energy budget of large (up to 40 m-diameter) bubble bursts from a persistent phonolite lava lake. These explosions are readily studied from the crater rim at ranges of less than 500 m and present an ideal opportunity to constrain the dynamics and mechanism of magmatic bubble bursts that can drive Strombolian and Hawaiian eruptions. We estimate the energy budget of the first second of a typical Erebus explosion as a function of time and energy type. We constrain gas pressures and forces using an analytic model for the expansion of a gas bubble above a conduit that incorporates conduit geometry and magma and gas parameters. The model, consistent with video and radar observations, invokes a spherical bulging surface with a base diameter equal to that of the lava lake. The model has no ad hoc free parameters, and geometrical calculations predict zenith height, velocity, and acceleration during shell expansion. During explosions, the energy contained in hot overpressured gas bubbles is freed and partitioned into other energy types, where by far the greatest nonthermal energy component is the kinetic and gravitational potential energy of the accelerated magma shell (> 10 9 J). Seismic source energy created by explosions is estimated from radar measurements and is consistent with source energy determined from seismic observations. For the generation of the infrasonic signal, a dual mechanism incorporating a terminally disrupted slug is proposed, which clarifies previous models and provides good fits to observed infrasonic pressures. A new and straightforward method is presented for determining gas volumes from slug explosions at volcanoes from remote infrasound recordings.

The source mechanism of Strombolian explosions at Mt. Yasur, Vanuatu, is analyzed using a unique data set which enables us to combine different methodologies. The novelty of the approach presented here lies in the combination of seismic, acoustic and Doppler-radar data. Thus, using infrasound and Doppler radar observations we are able to provide independent estimates of the volume of the eruptive source. In the following, we show that a correlation exists between source volume and the maximum particle velocity of the expelled volcanic products. In order to determine the source location and the associated mechanism and to compare those two methods, we use time reversal imaging and moment tensor inversion. While the first method also applies to extended sources, the latter might be biased by its intrinsic point source approximation. We show that time reversal imaging can deliver an estimate of the source depth without any a priori assumptions even in an unfavorable scenario in terms of topography and receiver setup. The inverted source mechanism retrieved from moment tensor inversion is found to be largely isotropic, with minor deviatoric components. The inverted source location points towards an area to the north-west of the active craters, indicative of a common feeder system of the activity at Mt. Yasur. However, it is also evident, that to fully locate the source of Strombolian activity at Yasur location precision must be enhanced.

In high-nutrient–low-chlorophyll regions, phytoplankton growth is limited by the availability of water-soluble iron. The eruption of Kasatochi volcano in August 2008 led to ash deposition into the iron-limited NE Pacific Ocean. Volcanic ash released iron upon contact with seawater and generated a massive phytoplankton bloom. Here we investigate this event with a one-dimensional ocean biogeochemical column model to illuminate the ocean response to iron fertilisation by volcanic ash. The results indicate that the added iron triggered a phytoplankton bloom in the summer of 2008. Associated with this bloom, macronutrient concentrations such as nitrate and silicate decline and zooplankton biomass is enhanced in the ocean mixed layer. The simulated development of the drawdown of carbon dioxide and increase of pH in surface seawater is in good agreement with available observations. Sensitivity studies with different supply dates of iron to the ocean emphasise the favourable oceanic conditions in the NE Pacific to generate massive phytoplankton blooms in particular during July and August in comparison to other months. By varying the amount of volcanic ash and associated bio-available iron supplied to the ocean, model results demonstrate that the NE Pacific Ocean has higher, but limited capabilities to consume CO2 after iron fertilisation than those observed after the volcanic eruption of Kasatochi.

Volcanic ash cloud-top height (ACTH) can be monitored on the global level using satellite remote sensing. Here we propose a photogrammetric method based on the parallax between data retrieved from geostationary and polar orbiting satellites to overcome some limitations of the existing methods of ACTH retrieval. SEVIRI HRV band and MODIS band 1 are a good choice because of their high resolution. The procedure works well if the data from both satellites are retrieved nearly simultaneously. MODIS does not retrieve the data at exactly the same time as SEVIRI. To compensate for advection we use two sequential SEVIRI images (one before and one after the MODIS retrieval) and interpolate the cloud position from SEVIRI data to the time of MODIS retrieval. The proposed method was tested for the case of the Eyjafjallajökull eruption in April 2010. The parallax between MODIS and SEVIRI data can reach 30 km, which implies an ACTH of approximately 12 km at the beginning of the eruption. At the end of April eruption an ACTH of 3–4 km is observed. The accuracy of ACTH was estimated to be 0.6 km.

© 2016, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. Classifications of volcanic eruptions were first introduced in the early twentieth century mostly based on qualitative observations of eruptive activity, and over time, they have gradually been developed to incorporate more quantitative descriptions of the eruptive products from both deposits and observations of active volcanoes. Progress in physical volcanology, and increased capability in monitoring, measuring and modelling of explosive eruptions, has highlighted shortcomings in the way we classify eruptions and triggered a debate around the need for eruption classification and the advantages and disadvantages of existing classification schemes. Here, we (i) review and assess existing classification schemes, focussing on subaerial eruptions; (ii) summarize the fundamental processes that drive and parameters that characterize explosive volcanism; (iii) identify and prioritize the main research that will improve the understanding, characterization and classification of volcanic eruptions and (iv) provide a roadmap for producing a rational and comprehensive classification scheme. In particular, classification schemes need to be objective-driven and simple enough to permit scientific exchange and promote transfer of knowledge beyond the scientific community. Schemes should be comprehensive and encompass a variety of products, eruptive styles and processes, including for example, lava flows, pyroclastic density currents, gas emissions and cinder cone or caldera formation. Open questions, processes and parameters that need to be addressed and better characterized in order to develop more comprehensive classification schemes and to advance our understanding of volcanic eruptions include conduit processes and dynamics, abrupt transitions in eruption regime, unsteadiness, eruption energy and energy balance.

Explosive volcanic eruptions threaten people's lives, destroy infrastructure and crops in fields and threaten the safety of air traffic even at large distances from the volcano. Existing approaches lack the required spatial and temporal resolution to properly monitor transport and dispersion of volcanic ash clouds. This contribution introduces a photogrammetry-based mission concept using a formation of small satellites. This new approach will make it possible to observe clouds' height at higher frequency and with accuracy comparable with lidar observations.

In recent decades, it has been demonstrated that ground-based radar can be used to measure the extent of volcanic ash clouds as well as mass eruption rate. Various types of ground-based radar exist that allow the analysis of particular aspects of volcanic ash clouds: long-range, high-power weather radar systems capture the overall evolution and lateral as well as vertical extent of volcanic eruption clouds. Smaller, lower power, portable mini radar systems with a maximum weight of 50 kg and less than 50 W of power have been especially designed to monitor volcanic activity. In general, the closer the radar is positioned to the volcano, the more the signal-to-noise ratio as well as sampling volume improves, and therefore, the ability to resolve details in the eruption cloud increases. Both high- and low-power radars can provide some crude estimate of particle sizes that can be used to estimate mass eruption rate at the vent on timescales down to seconds. In this chapter, we review the basic concept of ground-based radar and discuss various applications for monitoring volcanic ash.

As specifically designed platforms are still unavailable at this point in time, lava flows are usually monitored remotely with the use of meteorological satellites. Generally, meteorological satellites have a low spatial resolution, which leads to uncertain results. This paper presents the first long term satellite monitoring of active lava flows on Stromboli volcano (August–November 2014) at high spatial resolution (160 m) and relatively high temporal resolution (~3 days). These data were retrieved by the small satellite Technology Experiment Carrier-1 (TET-1), which was developed and built by the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The satellite instrument is dedicated to high temperature event monitoring. The satellite observations were accompanied by field observations conducted by thermal cameras. These provided short time lava flow dynamics and validation for satellite data. TET-1 retrieved 27 datasets over Stromboli during its effusive activity. Using the radiant density approach, TET-1 data were used to calibrate the MODVOLC data and estimate the time averaged lava discharge rate. With a mean output rate of 0.87 m3/s during the three-month-long eruption, we estimate the total erupted volume to be 7.4 × 106 m3.

We present 2D and 3D numerical model calculations that focus on the physics of compositionally buoyant diapirs rising within a mantle wedge corner flow. Compositional buoyancy is assumed to arise from slab dehydration during which water-rich volatiles enter the mantle wedge and form a wet, less dense boundary layer on top of the slab. Slab dehydration is prescribed to occur in the 80–180 km deep slab interval, and the water transport is treated as a diffusion-like process. In this study, the mantle's rheology is modeled as being isoviscous for the benefit of easier-to-interpret feedbacks between water migration and buoyant viscous flow of the mantle. We use a simple subduction geometry that does not change during the numerical calculation. In a large set of 2D calculations we have identified that five different flow regimes can form, in which the position, number, and formation time of the diapirs vary as a function of four parameters: subduction angle, subduction rate, water diffusivity (mobility), and mantle viscosity. Using the same numerical method and numerical resolution we also conducted a suite of 3D calculations for 16 selected parameter combinations. Comparing the 2D and 3D results for the same model parameters reveals that the 2D models can only give limited insights into the inherently 3D problem of mantle wedge diapirism. While often correctly predicting the position and onset time of the first diapir(s), the 2D models fail to capture the dynamics of diapir ascent as well as the formation of secondary diapirs that result from boundary layer perturbations caused by previous diapirs. Of greatest importance for physically correct results is the numerical resolution in the region where diapirs nucleate, which must be high enough to accurately capture the growth of the thin wet boundary layer on top of the slab and, subsequently, the formation, morphology, and ascent of diapirs. Here 2D models can be very useful to quantify the required resolution, which we find for a 1019 Pa · s mantle wedge to be about 1 km node spacing for quadratic-order velocity elements.

Iron is a key limiting micro-nutrient for marine primary productivity. It can be supplied to the ocean by atmospheric dust deposition. Volcanic ash deposition into the ocean represents another external and so far largely neglected source of iron. This study demonstrates strong evidence for natural fertilisation in the iron-limited oceanic area of the NE Pacific, induced by volcanic ash from the eruption of Kasatochi volcano in August 2008. Atmospheric and oceanic conditions were favourable to generate a massive phytoplankton bloom in the NE Pacific Ocean which for the first time establishes a causal connection between oceanic iron-fertilisation and volcanic ash supply.

Microlites in pumice fragments can record the rate of magma decompression and ascent, but only if none grow while those fragments cool in the atmosphere. For highly viscous silicate melts, such crystallization is unlikely, but more basic melts are known to crystallize rapidly, and thus could partially crystallize during cooling and overprint decompression textures. To examine whether post-fragmentation crystallization can occur, we examined two basaltic pumice clasts from the sub-Plinian April 1999 eruption of Shishaldin volcano, Alaska. Radial sectioning shows that microlite content doubles from rim to core in both, mainly from growth of plagioclase. Dendrite magnetite also increases greatly in content, but only within the larger pumice clast. Such radial textures demonstrate that crystallization occurred after fragmentation and before deposition (no welding occurred). Using a conductive cooling model coupled with a model for temperature in the eruption column, we estimate that rims of the pumice clasts cool to their glass-transition temperature in ∼ 100-200 s, but their cores take ∼500―2000 s to cool, which translates into cooling rates of ∼0.2 to 2.5 °C/s. Using a conservative assumption that all plagioclase nucleated before cooling began, we estimate that both short and long axes grew at ∼4.8 (±2.7) x 10 ―7 cm/s. Such rates match those determined experimentally for basaltic melts at similar cooling rates. Magnetite grew only at the slowest cooling rates, and the rate of bulk magnetite crystallization equals that of plagioclase. Our results demonstrate that groundmass crystallization can occur in basic melts on the timescale of explosive eruptions, and so pumice clasts from such eruptions must be viewed with caution before being used to infer eruption dynamics.

Basalts from continental flood basalts (CFBs) and intraplate or hotspot ocean islands are found to have distinct geochemical signatures. This diversity in composition is generally believed to result from the upwelling plume entraining overlying reservoirs of shallow and intermediate depth mantle material during its ascent from the deep mantle. Here we present laboratory experiments and numerical model calculations which clarify that — for a strongly temperature dependent viscosity like that of the mantle — a rising plume head should be expected to bring up a surrounding sheath of deep mantle from its source region. Mixing between the central core of the plume and this sheath produces the whorl-like structures noted in previous studies where they were typically attributed to thermal entrainment of surrounding ambient mantle, but this is mainly the product of intermixing between neighboring parts of the plume's deep source material. These results imply that the popular idea that mantle plumes should typically mix small fractions of deep ‘primitive’ mantle material with much larger fractions of shallower depleted mantle needs to be critically reexamined.

We used a novel system of three continuous wave Doppler radars to successfully record the directivity of i) Strombolian explosions from the active lava lake of Erebus volcano, Antarctica, ii) eruptions at Stromboli volcano, Italy, and iii) a man-made explosion in a quarry. Erebus volcano contains a convecting phonolite lava lake, presumably connected to a magma chamber at depth. It is one of the few open vent volcanoes that allow a direct observation of source processes during explosions. Its lava lake is the source of frequent violent Strombolian explosions, caused by large gas bubbles bursting at the lake surface. The exact mechanism of these bubble bursts is unclear, as is the mechanism of the creation of the infrasound signal accompanying the explosions. We use the Doppler radar data to calculate the directivity of Strombolian eruptions at Erebus. This allows us to derive information about the expected type of infrasound source pattern (i.e. the role of a dipole in addition to the monopole signature) and the physical structure of the volcano. We recorded 10 large explosions simultaneously with three radars, enabling us to calculate time series of 3D directivity vectors (i.e. effectively 4D), which describe the direction of preferred expansion of the gas bubble during an explosion. Such directivity information allows a comparison to dipole infrasound radiation patterns recorded during similar explosions only a few weeks later. Video observations of explosions support our interpretation of the measurements. We conclude that at Erebus, the directivity of explosions is mainly controlled by random processes. Since the geometry of the uppermost conduit is assumed to have a large effect on the directivity of explosions, the results suggest a largely symmetrical uppermost conduit with a vertical axis of symmetry. For infrasound recordings, a significant dipole signature can be expected in addition to the predominant monopole signature.

We report on the evaluation of in situ measurements of eruption velocities and relative mass flux, collected by Doppler radar, as well as acoustic and infrared data, that were recorded at Stromboli volcano. Doppler radar observations were made alongside thermal, acoustic and seismic measurements, to (1) further investigate the complex waveforms of the SW crater by combining infrasonic, infrared and Doppler radar measurements, (2) establish a relationship between infrared, acoustic and Doppler radar measurements and (3) verify that all instruments observe the same behavior in terms of relative mass eruption rate. We also explore the relationship between kinetic and acoustic energy released during an eruption. Comparing the different methods to each other we are able to show that the mass erupted can be estimated either from the total reflected Doppler radar energy or from infrared observations. However, neither thermal nor reflected energy can provide a value in terms of absolute mass in kg. The erupted masses of different eruptions can only be evaluated relative to each other. Using the combined three data sets we especially focus on the eruption dynamics of the SW crater of Stromboli, namely its fluctuations in eruption strength. These pulses in one eruptive event, so called ’pulsations’ dominate more than 40% of the eruptions of SW crater. Previous models that explain pulsations to be generated by multiple consecutively exploding bubbles are supported by our combined analysis of infrasound, thermal data, particle velocities, and the reflected energy.

SUMMARY In this paper we analyse a 3-yr long time-series of activity at Merapi volcano, Indonesia, which was recorded using a Doppler radar system. Between November 2001 and July 2004 about 57 000 events associated with dome instabilities have been recorded by the radar system. Because of the huge amount of data an automatic classification system has been developed, which identifies different types of instabilities at the lava dome (i.e. sliding material, gravitational break-offs and explosive outbursts) as well as rainfall. Comparing the record of detected instabilities to rockfall measurements deduced from the seismic network of the Volcanological Technology Research Center (VTRC), we are able to demonstrate the high potential of Doppler radar measurements for monitoring of dome activity. When aligned to the most active area at the dome, the radar detects significantly more events than the seismic system. In combination with seismic measurements, the Doppler radar allows for identifying changes in the location of the most active area at the dome. This is particularly helpful since the dome of Merapi is covered by clouds about 50 per cent of the time. Additionally, the radar data can help to distinguish between rockfalls and multiphase events in the seismic measurements. The different types of instabilities have been analysed for their occurrence frequency in terms of size, volume and mean velocity. Significant temporal changes in the relative occurrence frequencies or the characteristic properties of the different types of instabilities have not been observed. However, during the period of fastest activity decrease, explosive instability events with a gravitational precursor decreased faster than events starting explosively. Because the radar system is able to observe rainfall, the data has been analysed for a link between rain and dome activity. Throughout the observation period no such link could be found, however, this might be due to the fact that the activity has been almost continuously decreasing.

Understanding the mechanism and repetition frequency of dome instability events at high risk, dome building volcanoes located near densely populated areas is one crucial piece of information when dealing with volcanic hazard mitigation. Although some visual in situ observations of such processes have been made at Unzen volcano and on Montserrat, continuous monitoring of dome activity has been severely hampered by weather conditions such as cloud coverage. Using a newly designed microwave Doppler system, we are able to continuously monitor in situ processes at active dome systems. With our instrument we can determine the velocity of material breaking off an active dome as well as the approximate amount of material passing through the radar beam allowing us to continuously identify different types of dome instabilities. A data set collected during a highly active period at the end of Oct. early Nov. 2001 at Merapi volcano indicates two different instability types: a) purely gravitational instabilities and b) gravitational instabilities that are followed immediately by an explosion. Such information, continuously collected, allows tight constrains on the activity status of dome building volcanoes and is an important information for hazard mitigation. The number of instabilities detected by the radar during the observational period is larger than the number of rockfall events detected by the seismic network operated at Merapi during that time.

This study explores a chemo-thermo-dynamic subduction zone model that solves for slab dehydration during subduction. We investigate how changes in the incoming plate's hydration and thermal structure may effect the efficiency of sub-arc water release from sediments, crust, and serpentinized mantle. We find that serpentinized lithospheric mantle may not only be an important fluid source to trigger arc melting but is also an efficient ‘transport-lithology’ to recycle chemically bound water into the deeper mantle. In fact, an old slab may remain sufficiently cold during subduction to retain up to 40% of its initial ‘mantle’ water at 8 GPa (∼240-km depth) after serpentine transforms to higher pressure hydrous phase A. Furthermore, deep water recycling at subduction zones is parameterized in terms of slab age and speed. Coupling this parameterization to a parameterized mantle convection evolution model allows us to calculate the mantle-surface geologic water cycle throughout the Earth's history. We find that the present-day Earth mantle may be highly outgassed containing only a small fraction of the Earth's water, which would mostly be recycled water from the exosphere.

Most simple models for cooling of sheet like intrusions, the Hawaiian lava lakes being one example, neglect the effect of side wall heat loss on the overall thermal evolution. In this paper we extend a conventional one-dimensional (1D) model for cooling of sheet like intrusions to account for lateral heat loss by either prescribing a fixed side wall heat flux, or a heat flux controlled by heat transport in the surrounding wall rock. In the first part of the study we analyze the general interplay between side wall cooling and the thermal evolution of the system; the second part focuses on a comparison between our modeling results including models without and with lateral heat flux, and the Hawaiian lava lake data. This comparison leads to the following three main conclusions: (1) Side wall cooling does have a significant impact on the cooling history of lava lakes. (2) Models assuming a time dependent temperature profile in the wall rock lead to a better fit with the measured temperature data. (3) Due to the sluggish conductive heat transfer in the mush its thermal evolution is significantly decoupled from the temperature evolution of the convecting bulk liquid.

The intention of our study was to gain new insight into the complex interplay between different types of eruption of the Stromboli volcano by combining detailed field observation with different geophysical methods. We recorded more than 600 eruptions by use of continuous Doppler radar measurements. We detected the onset of the seismic precursor and the beginning of the visible eruption by use of seismic and infrared data. Two soil samples per day were used to monitor the effect of humidity on the eruptive style. We mapped the crater region as a reference base for the long-term morphological changes of the active region and for the exact positions of our measurement systems. Two distinct types of eruption were distinguished from each other on the basis of seismic and radar data – short, wide-angle Strombolian explosions and pulsating, sharp angle fountain-like eruptions. Data and visual observations imply that weather conditions significantly effect volcanic activity. We also interpret the intensification of eruptive activity during our field study as replenishment of the reservoir with a new batch of magma in late September 2000.

Active fluid and gas transport were measured and observed along more than 200 km of the convergent margin of Costa Rica during cruise SO144-2 aboard RV Sonne. Ten profiles were run with the TV-sled OFOS, eight of which detected the dense occurrence of cold vent sites. This discovery shows that seafloor fluid expulsion is widely spread along the Pacific margin of Costa Rica. Surficial evidence of fluid expulsion is indicated by the appearance of chemosynthetic vent organisms such as bacterial mats, vesicomyid, solemyid and mytilid bivalves and tubeworms. Numerous active vents were indicated by elevated methane concentrations (≤ 200 nmol L–) in the bottom water. Although fluid-venting activity was known previously from a small area south of Nicoya Peninsula, the present study documents active seepage at landslides, headwall scarps related to seamount subduction, morphological intersections of faults and mid-slope mud volcanoes.

We have used a combined conduit transport/eruption column model to explore the evolution of volcanic eruption plumes on Mars under different atmospheric conditions. In the calculations we consider a volatile phase composed of H2O, CO2, and SO2 and take into account that the magmatic water erupted at the vent may condense as the eruption column rises into the Martian atmosphere. As two end-member models, we explore the eruption of rhyolitic and basaltic melt compositions containing different amounts of volatiles as well as having different eruption temperatures. Under current Martian atmospheric conditions eruption plumes are found to rise as high as 100 km for a mass eruption rate of 5×107 kg s−1, which is consistent with model calculations by Wilson and Head [1994]. In contrast, under a dense atmosphere (105 Pa on the Martian surface) which may have existed earlier in Martian history, the same eruption plume reaches only about 25 km height. All magmatic water released during the eruption is found to freeze as it rises in the eruption column, which means that fallout from the plume will contain water ice which can be subsequently deposited in near surface layers. This ice may then suddenly melt due to higher surface heat flow or shallow intrusions leading to rapid release of water on the flanks of volcanoes. Only if the atmosphere were hotter in the past could the water in the eruption plume condense and produce rain rather than ice. Furthermore, the calculations show that smaller micron-size particles would be distributed globally from eruption plumes under current Martian conditions but would not have been as widely dispersed from plumes erupted into an earlier dense atmosphere.

During explosive volcanic eruptions, pumice clasts are transported into the atmosphere, and their thermal and degassing histories determine how much volatiles are lost syneruptively. This process is studied by combining a steady state eruption column model with a model for the cooling and degassing of pumice. In the model we investigate the impact of various parameters (e.g., mass eruption rate, Biot number, eruption temperature, and geometry) on the cooling and degassing of pumice and find that the Biot number and the eruption temperature are the most influential. During typical risetimes of pumices inside eruption columns (200-300 s), those smaller than 0.5 cm in diameter are found to lose little of their volatiles syneruptively and remain in thermal equilibrium with the plume. In the case of larger pumices the ratio of the cooling timescale ( r p 2 /κ, where rp is the pumice radius and κ is the thermal diffusivity) to the degassing timescale ( ξ w 2 /D' 0 , where ξ w is the vesicle wall thickness and D' 0 is the species diffusivity) controls degassing. If this ratio is larger than 50, degassing of the pumice will be nearly complete with a few percent of the original volatiles left in the outer rind of the pumice. For a ratio of less than 0.1 no volatiles escape the pumice. Typical values for thermal and species diffusivity as well as vesicle wall thickness indicate that in the case of degassing Cl and H 2 O the transition from 0.1 to 50 will be in the pumice size range of 1-10 cm. Here volatile concentration is a strong function of position inside the pumice, suggesting that values for volatile contents measured on picked matrix glass from crushed samples may not be the best way to estimate the volatile content of matrix glass, a number which is frequently used to estimate the total volatile input of volcanic eruptions. This effect is even more pronounced when looking at hydrogen isotopic fractionation with larger pumices tending toward δD -80‰.

To constrain life time and flow rates in a submarine lava tube (pillow), 3D finite-element calculations were carried out for a simplified fixed geometry model tube. The principal parameters included into the model are: a temperature-dependent Newtonian viscosity of the lava, whereby viscosity is also dependent on composition, temperature and crystallinity of the lava, cooling by seawater, and the release of latent heat of crystallization. Time-dependent model runs suggest the longevity of the tube flow is constrained by the competition of advective heat flow along the tube axis and the conduction of heat towards the margins of the flow. In order to keep the lava flowing, a minimum critical pressure gradient along the tube is required. Otherwise, the amount of thermal energy brought in by the influx of hot lava is less than the amount lost at the outer boundaries, and the tube will solidify. Providing an exponentially decaying driving pressure at the tube inlet, this critical pressure gradient has been calculated for different tube lengths and diameters and is compared to critical pressure values resulting from a more simplistic solution, assuming constant viscosity and pure conductive or convective cooling. An analysis of the difference between pressure gradients obtained through the numerical and simplified model is used to derive an appropriate power law for the critical pressure gradient in bodies cooled by convection and conduction including the effect of temperature-dependent viscosity. That gradient scales with the tube radius R as R3.85. This law is valid for tube-style lava flows and lava viscosities in the basaltic range.