Also, of interest are relationships between the different observed quantities because very few SO2 monitoring stations exist across the islands to provide confirmation of the passage of the volcanic plume. Therefore any observation platform that may provide information on the presence of the volcanic plume are sought. The photometer and ceilometer are good candidates since they observe the secondary sulfate aerosols that linger long after the SO2 as been emitted, particularly on the leeward coast. These observations are important for emergency managers and public health officials in order to mitigate impacts from the vog as well as for validation of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Vog Model forecasts.
We present observations from all platforms and correlations between retrieved quantities at various distances downwind of the volcano for three days of observations. The correlations are stronger further downwind when the plume is well mixed in the boundary layer. Correlations suggest that further observations from ceilometers, such as those operated by the FAA, could be a valuable tool for tracking the transport and dispersion of the volcanic plume around the state of Hawai‘i.
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