Synergistic use of Lagrangian dispersion and radiative transfer modelling with satellite and surface remote sensing measurements for the investigation of volcanic plumes: the Mount Etna eruption of 25–27 October 2013

A relatively weak volcanic eruption at Mount Etna on 25–27 October 2013 had significant regional effects on aerosol properties, with sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and ash reaching altitudes of 10–12 km and influencing aerosol size distribution over 350 km downwind. The study combined Lagrangian dispersion modeling (FLEXPART), satellite data from MODIS and SEVIRI, and surface remote sensing measurements at the ENEA Station on Lampedusa to track plume evolution and assess its impact. Secondary sulfate particles were found to dominate the plume composition and radiative forcing, contributing substantially more than ash. Radiative forcing efficiencies ranged from −39 to −48 W m⁻² AOD⁻¹ at the top of the atmosphere and −66 to −49 W m⁻² AOD⁻¹ at the surface, highlighting the role of sulfate in volcanic plume radiative effects.

Sellitto, P., di Sarra, A., Corradini, S., Boichu, M., Herbin, H., Dubuisson, P., Sèze, G., Meloni, D., Monteleone, F., Merucci, L., Rusalem, J., Salerno, G., Briole, P., & Legras, B. (2016). Synergistic use of Lagrangian dispersion and radiative transfer modelling with satellite and surface remote sensing measurements for the investigation of volcanic plumes: the Mount Etna eruption of 25–27 October 2013. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 16(11), 6841–6861. https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-6841-2016