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Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University—Monitoring and Modelling Volcanic Ash...
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Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University—Monitoring and Modelling Volcanic Ash Transport and Deposition

A special issue of Atmosphere (ISSN 2073-4433). This special issue belongs to the section "Air Quality".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2021) | Viewed by 23295

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Masato Iguchi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Sakurajima Volcano Research Center, Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University, Kagoshima 891-1419, Japan
Interests: prediction volcanic eruption; forecasting volcanic ash dispersal and deposition; volcanic ash impact
Dr. Hirohiko Ishikawa

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Research Division of Atmospheric and Hydrospheric, Kyoto University, Kyoto 604-8571, Japan
Interests: meteorological hazards; remote sensing; numerical atmospheric dispersion model; disastrous storms

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Volcanic eruptions have a severe impact on surrounding communities, including a reduction in agricultural output, disruption of airline, road, and railway traffic, and adverse health effects on residents living around volcanoes. To mitigate the impacts, forecasting volcanic ash dispersal and deposition is of utmost importance. Volcanologists have made an effort to forecast volcanic eruptions and to further understand the deposition of volcanic ash. However, volcanic ash particles are strongly affected by meteorological factors, in particular by wind during processes of growth of volcanic plumes, transport and dispersal, and sedimentation. Recent advances in meteorological research and observational technology have helped to improve forecasting volcanic ash dispersal and deposition. This Special Issue is expected to advance our understanding of monitoring, modeling, and forecasting volcanic ash transport in the atmosphere and deposition on the ground. Therefore, we invite authors to submit original and review articles that aim to study the dispersal of volcanic ash, including characteristics of volcanic eruption as a source of volcanic ash and its social impact.

Prof. Dr. Masato Iguchi
Dr. Hirohiko Ishikawa 
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • detection of volcanic ash plume and dispersal
  • growth of volcanic plume
  • transport of volcanic ash
  • fall process of volcanic ash
  • quantification of volcanic ash

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 7418 KiB  
Article
Measurement of Aerodynamic Characteristics Using Cinder Models through Free Fall Experiment
by Meizhi Liu, Takashi Maruyama, Kansuke Sasaki, Minoru Inoue, Masato Iguchi and Eisuke Fujita
Atmosphere 2021, 12(5), 608; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/atmos12050608 - 07 May 2021
Viewed by 1900
Abstract
Rocks ejected from a volcanic eruption often cause loss of lives and structures. Aerodynamic characteristics are needed for evaluating motions of volcanic rocks for the reduction of damage. Falling motions of volcanic rock were measured by using models imitated the configuration of cinders [...] Read more.
Rocks ejected from a volcanic eruption often cause loss of lives and structures. Aerodynamic characteristics are needed for evaluating motions of volcanic rocks for the reduction of damage. Falling motions of volcanic rock were measured by using models imitated the configuration of cinders collected at the site of the experiment, Sakurajima volcano. Two types, one with sharp edges and one without sharp edges, were selected as representative of cinder and a sphere was selected as reference model. The falling motions of the models dropped down from a drone were recorded by video camera and a stand-alone measuring system that included a pressure sensor, acceleration and angular velocity sensors in the models. The motion, posture, velocity and acceleration of the model were obtained in order to measure the three-dimensional falling trajectory. The drag and the deviation angle between relative wind direction and wind force direction were examined. The variation of the drag coefficient and the deviation angle with Reynolds number was clarified. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University—Monitoring and Modelling Volcanic Ash Transport and Deposition)
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24 pages, 38805 KiB  
Article
Characteristics of Particle Size Distributions of Falling Volcanic Ash Measured by Optical Disdrometers at the Sakurajima Volcano, Japan
by Masayuki Maki, Ren Takaoka and Masato Iguchi
Atmosphere 2021, 12(5), 601; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/atmos12050601 - 06 May 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2337
Abstract
In the present study, we analyzed the particle size distribution (PSD) of falling volcanic ash particles measured using optical disdrometers during six explosive eruptions of the Sakurajima volcano in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. Assuming the gamma PSD model, which is commonly used in radar [...] Read more.
In the present study, we analyzed the particle size distribution (PSD) of falling volcanic ash particles measured using optical disdrometers during six explosive eruptions of the Sakurajima volcano in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. Assuming the gamma PSD model, which is commonly used in radar meteorology, we examined the relationships between each of the gamma PSD parameters (the intercept parameter, the slope parameter, and the shape parameter) calculated by the complete moment method. It was shown that there were good correlations between each of the gamma PSD parameters, which might be one of the characteristics of falling volcanic ash particles. We found from the normalized gamma PSD analysis that the normalized intercept parameter and mass-weighted mean diameter are suitable for estimating the ash fall rate. We also derived empirical power law relationships between pairs of integrated PSD parameters: the ash fall rate, the volcanic ash mass concentration, the reflectivity factor, and the total number of ash particles per unit volume. The results of the present study provide essential information for studying microphysical processes in volcanic ash clouds, developing a method for quantitative ash fall estimation using weather radar, and improving ash transport and sedimentation models. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University—Monitoring and Modelling Volcanic Ash Transport and Deposition)
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16 pages, 8365 KiB  
Article
In Situ, Rotor-Based Drone Measurement of Wind Vector and Aerosol Concentration in Volcanic Areas
by Kansuke Sasaki, Minoru Inoue, Tomoya Shimura and Masato Iguchi
Atmosphere 2021, 12(3), 376; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/atmos12030376 - 13 Mar 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2645
Abstract
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), represented by rotor-based drones, are suitable for volcanic observations owing to the advantages of mobility and safety. In this study, vertical profiles of wind and aerosol concentrations at altitudes up to 1000 m around Mt. Sakurajima, one of the [...] Read more.
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), represented by rotor-based drones, are suitable for volcanic observations owing to the advantages of mobility and safety. In this study, vertical profiles of wind and aerosol concentrations at altitudes up to 1000 m around Mt. Sakurajima, one of the most active volcanoes in Japan, were measured in situ using a drone equipped with an ultrasonic anemometer and aerosol sensor. The drone-measured wind profiles were compared with Doppler LiDAR data and analysis values derived from a meteorological model. Drone-measured vertical profiles collected at a vertical speed of 1 m·s−1 (upward and downward) showed strong agreement with the LiDAR observations, as did the averaged values of hovering drone measurements. Obvious vertical wind shear was found by the drone in the vicinity of Mt. Sakurajima. An aerosol sensor was installed on the drone with the capability to measure fine (PM2.5) and coarse particles (PM10) simultaneously; in this manner, volcanic ash and aerosol pollutants around the volcano could be distinguished. Thus, it was proven that drones could be applied to investigate wind conditions and aerosols in situ, even at dangerous locations near active volcanoes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University—Monitoring and Modelling Volcanic Ash Transport and Deposition)
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21 pages, 55647 KiB  
Article
Tephra4D: A Python-Based Model for High-Resolution Tephra Transport and Deposition Simulations—Applications at Sakurajima Volcano, Japan
by Kosei Takishita, Alexandros P. Poulidis and Masato Iguchi
Atmosphere 2021, 12(3), 331; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/atmos12030331 - 04 Mar 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2883
Abstract
Vulcanian eruptions (short-lived explosions consisting of a rising thermal) occur daily in volcanoes around the world. Such small-scale eruptions represent a challenge in numerical modeling due to local-scale effects, such as the volcano’s topography impact on atmospheric circulation and near-vent plume dynamics, that [...] Read more.
Vulcanian eruptions (short-lived explosions consisting of a rising thermal) occur daily in volcanoes around the world. Such small-scale eruptions represent a challenge in numerical modeling due to local-scale effects, such as the volcano’s topography impact on atmospheric circulation and near-vent plume dynamics, that need to be accounted for. In an effort to improve the applicability of Tephra2, a commonly-used advection-diffusion model, in the case of vulcanian eruptions, a number of key modifications were carried out: (i) the ability to solve the equations over bending plume, (ii) temporally-evolving three-dimensional meteorological fields, (iii) the replacement of the particle diameter distribution with observed particle terminal velocity distribution which provides a simple way to account for the settling velocity variation due to particle shape and density. We verified the advantage of our modified model (Tephra4D) in the tephra dispersion from vulcanian eruptions by comparing the calculations and disdrometer observations of tephra sedimentation from four eruptions at Sakurajima volcano, Japan. The simulations of the eruptions show that Tephra4D is useful for eruptions in which small-scale movement contributes significantly to ash transport mainly due to the consideration for orographic winds in advection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University—Monitoring and Modelling Volcanic Ash Transport and Deposition)
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9 pages, 3061 KiB  
Article
Seasonal Variations of Volcanic Ash and Aerosol Emissions around Sakurajima Detected by Two Lidars
by Atsushi Shimizu, Masato Iguchi and Haruhisa Nakamichi
Atmosphere 2021, 12(3), 326; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/atmos12030326 - 03 Mar 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2715
Abstract
Two polarization-sensitive lidars were operated continuously to monitor the three-dimensional distribution of small volcanic ash particles around Sakurajima volcano, Kagoshima, Japan. Here, we estimated monthly averaged extinction coefficients of particles between the lidar equipment and the vent and compared our results with monthly [...] Read more.
Two polarization-sensitive lidars were operated continuously to monitor the three-dimensional distribution of small volcanic ash particles around Sakurajima volcano, Kagoshima, Japan. Here, we estimated monthly averaged extinction coefficients of particles between the lidar equipment and the vent and compared our results with monthly records of volcanic activity reported by the Japan Meteorological Agency, namely the numbers of eruptions and explosions, the density of ash fall, and the number of days on which ash fall was observed at the Kagoshima observatory. Elevated extinction coefficients were observed when the surface wind direction was toward the lidar. Peaks in extinction coefficient did not always coincide with peaks in ash fall density, and these differences likely indicate differences in particle size. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University—Monitoring and Modelling Volcanic Ash Transport and Deposition)
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21 pages, 9072 KiB  
Article
High–Resolution Modeling of Airflows and Particle Deposition over Complex Terrain at Sakurajima Volcano
by Tetsuya Takemi, Alexandros P. Poulidis and Masato Iguchi
Atmosphere 2021, 12(3), 325; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/atmos12030325 - 02 Mar 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1851
Abstract
The realistic representation of atmospheric pollutant dispersal over areas of complex topography presents a challenging application for meteorological models. Here, we present results from high–resolution atmospheric modeling in order to gain insight into local processes that can affect ash transport and deposition. The [...] Read more.
The realistic representation of atmospheric pollutant dispersal over areas of complex topography presents a challenging application for meteorological models. Here, we present results from high–resolution atmospheric modeling in order to gain insight into local processes that can affect ash transport and deposition. The nested Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model with the finest resolution of 50 m was used to simulate atmospheric flow over the complex topography of Sakurajima volcano, Japan, for two volcanic eruption cases. The simulated airflow results were shown to compare well against surface observations. As a preliminary application, idealized trajectory modeling for the two cases revealed that accounting for local circulations can significantly impact volcanic ash deposition leading to a total fall velocity up to 2–3 times the particle’s terminal velocity depending on the size. Such a modification of the estimated particle settling velocity over areas with complex topography can be used to parametrize the impact of orographic effects in dispersal models, in order to improve fidelity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University—Monitoring and Modelling Volcanic Ash Transport and Deposition)
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19 pages, 10633 KiB  
Article
The Development of Volcanic Ash Cloud Layers over Hours to Days Due to Atmospheric Turbulence Layering
by Marcus Bursik, Qingyuan Yang, Adele Bear-Crozier, Michael Pavolonis and Andrew Tupper
Atmosphere 2021, 12(2), 285; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/atmos12020285 - 23 Feb 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2683
Abstract
Volcanic ash clouds often become multilayered and thin with distance from the vent. We explore one mechanism for the development of this layered structure. We review data on the characteristics of turbulence layering in the free atmosphere, as well as examples of observations [...] Read more.
Volcanic ash clouds often become multilayered and thin with distance from the vent. We explore one mechanism for the development of this layered structure. We review data on the characteristics of turbulence layering in the free atmosphere, as well as examples of observations of layered clouds both near-vent and distally. We then explore dispersion models that explicitly use the observed layered structure of atmospheric turbulence. The results suggest that the alternation of turbulent and quiescent atmospheric layers provides one mechanism for the development of multilayered ash clouds by modulating vertical particle motion. The largest particles, generally μ>100 μm, are little affected by turbulence. For particles in which both settling and turbulent diffusion are important to vertical motion, mostly in the range of 10–100 μμm, the greater turbulence intensity and more rapid turbulent diffusion in some layers causes these particles to spend greater time in the more turbulent layers, leading to a layering of concentration. The results may have important implications for ash cloud forecasting and aviation safety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University—Monitoring and Modelling Volcanic Ash Transport and Deposition)
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15 pages, 5036 KiB  
Article
A Computational Methodology for the Calibration of Tephra Transport Nowcasting at Sakurajima Volcano, Japan
by Alexandros P. Poulidis, Atsushi Shimizu, Haruhisa Nakamichi and Masato Iguchi
Atmosphere 2021, 12(1), 104; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/atmos12010104 - 12 Jan 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2460
Abstract
Ground-based remote sensing equipment have the potential to be used for the nowcasting of the tephra hazard from volcanic eruptions. To do so raw data from the equipment first need to be accurately transformed to tephra-related physical quantities. In order to establish these [...] Read more.
Ground-based remote sensing equipment have the potential to be used for the nowcasting of the tephra hazard from volcanic eruptions. To do so raw data from the equipment first need to be accurately transformed to tephra-related physical quantities. In order to establish these relations for Sakurajima volcano, Japan, we propose a methodology based on high-resolution simulations. An eruption that occurred at Sakurajima on 16 July 2018 is used as the basis of a pilot study. The westwards dispersal of the tephra cloud was ideal for the observation network that has been installed near the volcano. In total, the plume and subsequent tephra cloud were recorded by 2 XMP radars, 1 lidar and 3 optical disdrometers, providing insight on all phases of the eruption, from plume generation to tephra transport away from the volcano. The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) and FALL3D models were used to reconstruct the transport and deposition patterns. Simulated airborne tephra concentration and accumulated load were linked, respectively, to lidar backscatter intensity and radar reflectivity. Overall, results highlight the possibility of using such a high-resolution modelling-based methodology as a reliable complementary strategy to common approaches for retrieving tephra-related quantities from remote sensing data. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University—Monitoring and Modelling Volcanic Ash Transport and Deposition)
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32 pages, 14164 KiB  
Article
PUFF Model Prediction of Volcanic Ash Plume Dispersal for Sakurajima Using MP Radar Observation
by Hiroshi L. Tanaka, Haruhisa Nakamichi and Masato Iguchi
Atmosphere 2020, 11(11), 1240; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/atmos11111240 - 18 Nov 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2571
Abstract
In this study, a real-time volcanic ash plume prediction by the PUFF system was applied to the Sakurajima volcano (which erupted at 17:24 Japan Standard Time (JST) on 8 November 2019), using the direct observation of the multi-parameter (MP) radar data installed at [...] Read more.
In this study, a real-time volcanic ash plume prediction by the PUFF system was applied to the Sakurajima volcano (which erupted at 17:24 Japan Standard Time (JST) on 8 November 2019), using the direct observation of the multi-parameter (MP) radar data installed at the Sakurajima Volcano Research Center. The MP radar showed a plume height of 5500 m a.s.l. around the volcano. The height was higher than the 4000 m by the PUFF system, but was lower than the observational report of 6500 m by the Japan Meteorological Agency in Kagoshima. In this study, ash particles by the MP radar observation were assimilated to the running PUFF system operated by the real-time emission rate and plume height, since the radar provides accurate plume height. According to the simulation results, the model prediction has been improved in the shape of the ash cloud with accurate plume top by the new MP radar observation. The plume top is corrected from 4000 m to 5500 m a.s.l., and the three-dimensional (3D) ash dispersal agrees with the observation. It was demonstrated by this study that the direct observation of MP radar obviously improved the model prediction, and enhanced the reliability of the prediction model. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University—Monitoring and Modelling Volcanic Ash Transport and Deposition)
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