Scanning tomography of SO2 distribution in a volcanic gas plume

Abstract

Two-dimensional cross sections of the sulphur dioxide (SO2) distribution in the volcanic gas plume of Mt. Etna were reconstructed using tomographic techniques. The data for these projections were generated by a network of five automated scanning spectrometers, positioned on the flanks of the volcano. These measure slant-column amounts of SO2 at 105 different angles, every four minutes. Stable wind conditions allow the plume to be monitored on 82% of days. A time-series of plume cross sections was computed, revealing the potential of this method to track variations in plume position and structure on timescales of minutes to hours, a result of potential importance for air traffic and civil defence in case of eruption, when copious amounts of fine ash can be transported.