Abstract

Virtual Globes, such as Google Earth, provide a three dimensional view of the Earth. Developments have allowed data to be displayed with a time feature, permitting four dimensional scientific data to be displayed. Volcanic Ash Dispersion models, such as the Puff model used by the Alaska Volcano Observatory and University of Alaska Geophysical Institute, are able to forecast the movement of ash clouds from erupting volcanoes. This information is important for hazard assessment and providing advisories to the aviation community. Recently, the Puff model has been developed to provide automated forecasts for volcanoes with elevated alert status. Every six hours, forecasts show the movement of any ash clouds if a volcano was to erupt during that time period. This information can be used to provide a rapid response if a volcanic crisis develops. Network links enable these forecasts to be updated within Google Earth, allowing the user to view the most recent dataset. Here, we show how the Puff model predictions are displayed in Google Earth, along with the capability that Google Maps brings to displaying multiple predictions from numerous volcanoes. In addition, we show how Google Earth helps in understanding and displaying past volcanic ash-aviation encounters.