Atmospheric Changes During Natural Disaster: Case Study of a Dust Storm and a Volcanic Eruption Using Space and Ground Based Instruments

TL;DR

This study examines atmospheric changes during a dust storm and volcanic eruption using space and ground-based instruments, revealing impacts on aerosols, ozone, humidity, and climate-related parameters.

Contribution

It provides detailed observational analysis of atmospheric responses to natural disasters, integrating satellite and ground data to enhance understanding of aerosol and gas dynamics.

Findings

Aerosol optical thickness increased during dust storm and eruption.

Significant ozone depletion observed post-eruption.

Boundary layer disruptions linked to aerosol and dust activity.

Abstract

This study investigates atmospheric changes during natural disasters, focusing on case studies of a dust storm in Ahmedabad and a volcanic eruption at Moun Ruang. Using the MICROTOPS-II sunphotometer from May 15 to June 19, 2024, the Ozone column, water column height, and Aerosol Optical Thickness (AOT) were measured. Ozone levels followed a diurnal cycle, peaking in the afternoon due to vehicular emissions and increased solar radiation, while water column depth rose with temperature, reflecting higher humidity and evaporation. AOT values increased due to boundary layer dynamics and urban emissions, peaking during rush hours and cloudy conditions. The dust storm in Ahmedabad on May 13, 2024, highlighted the influence of seasonal variations on dust storm frequency and their impact on atmospheric stability. Ceilometer backscatter data revealed significant boundary layer disruptions and enhanced aerosol mixing, with two obstruction layers identified at 100m and 2500m due to dust and clouds respectively. OMI-Aura satellite data showed a decrease in longwave radiation flux, aligning with observed cooling and increased humidity. The volcanic eruption at Mount Ruang on April 17, 2024, released substantial tephra and aerosols, enhancing cloud formation and decreasing surface temperature. Landsat-9 OLI-II data indicated significant changes in vegetation and cloud cover post-eruption, while OMI-Aura captured elevated SO2 levels as well as an 8.5% decrease in the ozone mixing ratio due to chlorine emissions. Our findings underscore the critical role of aerosols in climate modulation, acting as cloud condensation nuclei and influencing longwave radiation flux.