FALL3D: A Computational Model for Trans-port and Deposition of Volcanic Ash

Abstract

FALL3D is a 3-D time-dependent Eulerian model for the transport and deposition of 8 volcanic ash. The model solves the advection-diffusion-sedimentation (ADS) equa- 9 tion on a structured terrain-following grid using a second-order Finite Differences 10 (FD) explicit scheme. Different parameterizations for the eddy diffusivity tensor 11 and for the particle terminal settling velocities can be used. The code, written 12 in FORTRAN 90, is available in both serial and parallel versions for Windows and 13 Unix/Linux/Mac X Operating Systems (OS). A series of pre- and post-process util- 14 ity programs and OS-dependent scripts to launch them are also included in the 15 FALL3D distribution package. Although the model has been designed to forecast 16 volcanic ash concentration in the atmosphere and ash loading at ground, it can also 17 be used to model the transport of any kind of airborne solid particles. The model 18 inputs are meteorological data, topography, grain-size distribution, shape and den- 19 sity of particles, and mass rate of particle injected into the atmosphere. Optionally, 20 FALL3D can be coupled with the output of the meteorological processor CALMET, a 21 diagnostic model which generates 3-D time-dependent zero-divergence wind fields 22 from mesoscale forecasts incorporating local terrain effects. The FALL3D model can 23 be a tool for short-term ash deposition forecasting and for volcanic fallout hazard 24 assessment. As an example, an application to the 22 July 1998 Etna eruption is also 25 presented.