Air Quality - Volcanic Ash

Location: Alaska

Description: Volcanic ash is periodically a significant source of air pollution in Alaska. Ash is a respiratory irritant and there is a well established relationship between poor air quality and increased hospitalization for cardiovascular and respiratory events DHSS. Tracking the range of volcanic ash falls is important for identifying communities that are impacted, both during an event and in the aftermath.

Partners: USGS, ANTHC

Funding: Open Request.

Observing Protocols: Observers are invited to share observations of ash fall events when they occur and to share images and comments about the severity, duration and impacts on their community.

Inputs: LEO Network Observations

Outputs: Selected LEO Network observations will be added to the project map. Observers are invited to participate in a community of practice on the topic, which may include training and sharing of methods for measuring event severity and participation in an on-going discussion. Observations will be used to ground truth models for exposure and to strengthen the forecast accuracy. Observations will also be used to identify and evaluate community vulnerability and for evaluation of potential prevention and adaptation measures.

Project Updates: Pending

Resources:

Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) – In near real time, information and updates of eruptions are available online at AVO's, Current Volcanic Activity website, as well as, a Volcano Activity Notifications status report webpage.

AVO – Is Ash Falling? – Are you experiencing ashfall? Reports of ash fall are important; if you are interested in participating, here is your opportunity to do some science; AVO website hosts web (link above) forms for the public to enter ashfall data, either in near real time or retrospectively following an eruptive event. During an eruption, AVO’s public website displays a map version of submitted ash reports. The public map does not display personal information and truncates ashfall report locations to two decimal places, protecting the location privacy of users submitting reports.

AVO – Collecting & Returning Ash Samples – Instructions/Procedures for collecting and returning ash samples (link above) are to help AVO understand the eruption and dispersal pattern of the ash among other ashfall features. Detailed methods and an information sheet (datasheet) are provided to document your sampling and submission of ash collected. Finally, if you have photos of ashfall and other volcanic observation, the images can be sent via (email) as an attachment.

• Alaska Volcano Observatory contact info (24/7) at: 907-786-7497
• National Weather Service – Air Quality, Volcanic Ash Safety, meteorologists monitor the status of active volcanoes, track volcanic ash in the atmosphere during eruptions, and issue advisories and warnings for airborne ash and ashfall. (NOAA)
• National Weather Service – Volcanic Ash Advisory Center for current volcano status. (NOAA)

Or post your photos and observations using LEO Network.

Media:

Alaska Dispatch News – Bogoslof volcano in the Aleutians is still rumbling after 2 eruptions in 2 days, Author, Chris Klint, ADN (2016-12-22)

Advisory:

State of Alaska Epidemiology Bulletin – Guidance on health precautions to take during a volcanic ash fall can be found in this Epibulletin titled, Health Effects Asscoiated with Volcano Eruptions, prepared after the 2006 eruptions of Mt. Augustine. (Published, Epibulletin No. 5 January 13, 2006)