Monitoring the Kilauea Eruption with Next Generation Meteorological Satellites

In May 2018, volcanic activity at Kilauea (Hawaii) increased significantly, resulting in a variety hazards. Meteorological satellites are a critical tool for detecting and characterizing volcanic ash clouds, sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions, and thermal signatures associated with lava flows. The more advanced capabilities of next generation satellites allow for more accurate and detailed analysis of these volcanic hazards. In particular, the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) has three instruments that are especially relevant to the monitoring of Kilauea. The Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite (OMPS), the Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS), and the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) allow for the detection and characterization of Kilauea SO₂ and ash emissions in a complementary manner. VIIRS provides important spatial details, while OMPS and CrIS have the spectral coverage and spectral resolution needed to characterize volcanic clouds with greater accuracy. VIIRS can also assist with the mapping of lava flows and major gas emission sources. In order to take full advantage of the JPSS capabilities, sophisticated computer algorithms are needed. As part of the VOLcanic Cloud Analysis Toolkit (VOLCAT), multi-sensor algorithms are being developed in an effort to extract maximum value from the JPSS measurements. In this paper, we will illustrate the value of JPSS measurements for monitoring the Kilauea eruption, in combination with other pertinent data sources, including next generation geostationary satellite data.