Using the GPS SNR Technique to Detect Volcanic Plumes

Detection of volcanic plumes, especially ash-laden ones, is important both for public health and aircraft safety. A variety of geophysical tools and satellite data are used to monitor volcanic eruptions and to predict the movement of ash. However, satellite-based methods are restricted by time of day and weather, while radars are often unavailable because of cost/ portability. GPS instruments are frequently deployed near volcanos, but typically they have only been used to measure deformation. Here a method is proposed to detect volcanic plumes using GPS signal to noise ratio (SNR) data. The strengths and limitations of the method are assessed using GPS data collected during eruptions at Mt. Redoubt (2009) and Mt. Etna (2013). Plume detections are compared with independently collected seismic and radar data.