Abstract

Volcanic ash tracking and dispersion (VATD) models are routinely used by volcano observatories and volcanic ash advisory centers (VAAC) to analyze and predict the movement of airborne ash world-wide. Within the North Pacific Region (NOPAC), there are three models used (CanERM, HYSPLIT and Puff), each with their own display environments. Virtual Globes, here we use Google Earth, provide an easy to use universal tool for displaying the VATD simulations. The addition of the 'timestamp' option allows the VATD simulations to be displayed in real-time as static images or as animations that show the predicted position of the ash clouds. Here, we display Puff model operational predictions in both two and three dimensions for volcanoes across the NOPAC and selected volcanoes in Europe, Indonesia, Central and South America. The Puff model predictions are produced automatically every 3 - 6 hrs and displayed directly within Google Earth and Maps. In addition, we show how any Puff model prediction this is accomplished using an online interface. These displays of the VATD model predictions in Virtual Globes can be used to effectively and informatively illustrate the ash clouds location. Then the ash cloud location can be assessed in its proximity to local population, airports and any possible air traffic.

Presentation

Poster
PDF (4 MB)