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Journal of the Geological Society; 1998; v. 155; issue.4; p. 587-590;
DOI: 10.1144/gsjgs.155.4.0587
© 1998 Geological Society of London

Article

SPECIALVolcanic plume monitoring using atmospheric electric potential gradients

M. R. JAMES, S. J. LANE & J. S. GILBERT

Department of Environmental Science, Institute of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster LAI 4YQ, UK (e-mail: m.james{at}lancaster.ac.uk)

By monitoring perturbations of the natural atmospheric electric potential gradient, it is possible to detect and track particle laden volcanic plumes. The perturbations are produced by electrical charge that resides on the solid particles and liquid droplets of the plume, and the ions within it. A network of potential gradient monitoring stations around a volcano can provide data on eruption time, magnitude, plume dispersion direction and areas of ashfall. Our laboratory experiments have produced electrically charged ash by fragmenting pumice. These results support the theory that charging is due to the magma fragmentation process and should therefore be ubiquitous in all particulate volcanic plumes.

Key Words: electrical field • volcanic ash • explosive eruptions • geological hazards