Evolution of CO2, SO2, HCl, and HNO3 in the volcanic plumes from Etna. Issue 6 (20th March 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Voigt, C.; Jessberger, P.; Jurkat, T.; Kaufmann, S.; Baumann, R.; Schlager, H.; Bobrowski, N.; Giuffrida, G.; Salerno, G.
• Is Part Of: Geophysical research letters. Volume 41:Issue 6(2014:Mar.)
• Page Start: 2196
• Page End: 2203
• Publication Date: 2014-03-20
• Subjects: Geophysics -- Periodicals; Planets -- Periodicals; Lunar geology -- Periodicals; 550
• DOI: 10.1002/2013GL058974
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-8276

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="grl51479-abs-0001"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p id="grl51479-para-0001">The volcanic plumes from degassing Etna (Italy) were extensively probed with instruments onboard the Deutsches Zentrum für Luft‐ und Raumfahrt research aircraft Falcon during the contrail, volcano, and cirrus experiment CONCERT on 29/30 September 2011. Up to 10.4 ppmv SO₂and 0.3 ppmv HCl were detected with the atmospheric chemical ionization mass spectrometer AIMS at 3.1 km altitude and 20 km distance to the summit. HNO₃ is the dominant reactive nitrogen component in the plumes. Linking aircraft and ground‐based observations by Hybrid Single‐Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory dispersion modeling, we identify two crater plumes with different compositions primarily injected by the Bocca Nuova and North East craters. Uniquely, we follow their chemical evolution up to 5 h plume age. Our results show that CO₂/SO₂and SO₂/HCl molar ratios are stable in the ageing plumes. Hence, conversion of SO₂ to H₂<italic>SO</italic>₄ and partitioning of HCl in acidic plume particles play a minor role at dry tropospheric conditions. Thus, these trace gases allow monitoring volcanic activity far from the crater.</p> </abstract>