Analysis of the ETNA 2015 Eruption Using WRF–Chem Model and Satellite Observations

Abstract

The aim of the present work is to utilize a new functionality within the Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with Chemistry (WRF–Chem) that allows simulating emission, transport, and settling of pollutants released during the Etna 2015 volcanic activities. This study constitutes the first systematic application of the WRF–Chem online-based approach to a specific Etna volcanic eruption, with possible effects involving the whole Mediterranean area. In this context, the attention has been focused on the eruption event, recorded from 3–7 December 2015, which led to the closure of the nearby Catania International Airport. Quantitative meteorological forecasts, analyses of Etna volcanic ash transport, and estimates of the ash ground deposition have been performed. In order to test the performance of the proposed approach, the model outputs have been compared with data provided by satellite sensors and Doppler radars. As a result, it emerges that, as far as the selected eruption event is concerned, the WRF–Chem model reasonably reproduces the distribution of SO2 and of volcanic ash. In addition, this modeling system may provide valuable support both to airport management and to local stakeholders including public administrations.

Effects of Variable Eruption Source Parameters on Volcanic Plume Transport: Example of the 23 November 2013 Paroxysm of Etna

“…In this work and in the work by Rizza et al [32], we demonstrated that the model WRF-Chem may be utilized for forecast simulations of meteorology and ash/gas dispersion of Mount Etna emissions. In addition, it may also be particularly useful to better understand its impact on the meteorological phenomena over the whole Mediterranean area.…”

“…In this work, we investigated the effects of variable eruption source parameters on volcanic plume transport of the Mount Etna paroxysm of 23 November 2013. It represents a further application of the WRF-Chem model for Mount Etna following Rizza et al [32]. Concerning the model setup, the raw data obtained from the V2B Doppler radar system were elaborated at the WRF-Chem pre-processing level.…”

“…Two WRF-Chem configurations were evaluated: the first one with the climax values for the ESP, like in Rizza et al [32], and the second with the time-varying ESP according to the MER time profiles recorded by the V2B radar. It was shown that the second configuration produces a considerably better comparison with satellite retrievals (Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite, Meteosat Second-Generation Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager, and Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite).…”

“…The online coupling strategy is currently developed by using the WRF-Chem model [31][32][33] in which a specialized emission routine for the treatment of volcanic particles and gas (SO 2 ) has been implemented in its online chemistry-meteorology coupling framework [8]. This also permits inclusion of the direct and indirect feedback, together with other peculiar processes on the ash particles, like aggregation [33], microphysical nucleation [34], and the calculation of the optical properties (extinction coefficients and aerosol optical depth).…”

Vertical Distribution of Aerosols during Deep-Convective Event in the Himalaya Using WRF-Chem Model at Convection Permitting Scale

“…Similarly, natural aerosol dust shows a higher concentration at 500 hPa and above in both the WC4 and WC25 simulations (Figure 6c,d). The previous study on the vertical transport of aerosols during volcanic eruption suggests that WRF-Chem simulates the process quite realistically [46,47]. Similarly, the model-based previous study demonstrates that WRF-Chem realistically simulates vertical aerosol transport during deep convection events [33].…”