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Direct rate measurements of eruption plumes at Augustine volcano: A problem of scaling and uncontrolled variables

Journal Article · · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)
The March--April 1986 eruption of Augustine Volcano, Alaska, provided an opportunity to directly measure the flux of gas, aerosol, and ash particles during explosive eruption. Most previous direct measurements of volcanic emission rates are on plumes from fuming volcanoes or on very small eruption clouds. Direct measurements during explosive activity are needed to understand the scale relationships between passive degassing or small eruption plumes and highly explosive events. Conditions on April 3, 1986 were ideal: high winds, clear visibility, moderate activity. Three measurements were made: (1) an airborne correlation spectrometer (Cospec) provided mass flux rates of SO/sub 2/; (2) treated filter samples chemically characteized the plume and (3) a quartz crystal microcascade impactor provided particle size distribution. Atmospheric conditions on April 3 caused the development of a lee wave plume, which allowed us to constrain a model of plume dispersion leading to a forecast map of concentrations of SO/sub 2/ at greater distances from the vent.
Research Organization:
Michigan Technological University, Houghton
OSTI ID:
7150275
Journal Information:
J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 93:B5; ISSN JGREA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English