Volcanology from Space: Interpreting volcanic processes using space-borne remote sensing imagery.

Volcanic eruptions represent a significant source of atmospheric aerosols and can display local, regional and even global effects. In this work, we exploit the NASA Earth Observing System's Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR), MODerate Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) to investigate volcanic emissions generated in the Kamchatka region of Russia. MISR multi-angle imaging was used to derive plume height, dispersion characteristics, and to qualitatively characterize plume particle microphysical properties observed during the MISR deployment period (2000-2018). Additionally, daily remote-sensing observations of thermal anomaly features (e.g. lava flows, lava lakes) from MODIS, and sulfur dioxide (SO₂) concentrations from OMI are incorporated in the analysis. The combination of observations from MISR, MODIS and OMI provides a rich body of information to help understand and track a variety of eruptive processes remotely.

One hundred and fifty seven plumes observed in Kamchatka, dispersed up to 400 km in length and were imaged at a spatial resolution of 1.1 km. The multi-sensor technique allows tracking of variations in eruptive products and makes it possible to infer subsurface processes of individual volcanic systems. Furthermore, differences in plume properties (e.g. type and intensity of light absorption) and dispersion characteristics between volcanoes provide clues about underlying regional geology.

Our approach to investigating eruption dynamics can be implemented globally, and is limited mainly by the observation frequency of MISR (observations every 2-8 days depending on latitude). Satellite-based techniques, such as those presented here, are particularly valuable for remote locations where extensive suborbital monitoring is very limited or entirely absent.