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A novel experimental chamber for the characterization of free-falling particles in volcanic plumes

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Date
08/07/2022
Author
Capponi, Antonio
Lane, Steve J.
Gilbert, Jennie S.
Macfarlane, David G.
Robertson, Duncan A.
James, Mike R.
Funder
NERC
Grant ID
NE/S003622/1
Keywords
QC Physics
QE Geology
NDAS
MCC
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Abstract
Volcanic plumes pose a hazard to health and society and a particular risk for aviation. Hazard mitigation relies on forecasting plume dispersion within the atmosphere over time. The accuracy of forecasts depends on our understanding of particle dispersion and sedimentation processes, as well as on the accuracy of model input parameters, such as the initial particle size distribution and concentrations of volcanic particles (i.e., volcanic ash) in the atmosphere. However, our understating of these processes and the accurate quantification of input parameters remain the main sources of uncertainty in plume dispersion modeling. It is usually impractical to sample volcanic plumes directly, but particle sedimentation can be constrained in the laboratory. Here, we describe the design of a new experimental apparatus for investigating the dynamics of free-falling volcanic particles. The apparatus can produce a sustained column of falling particles with variable particle concentrations appropriate to a volcanic plume. Controllable experimental parameters include particle size distributions, types, and release rates. A laser-illuminated macrophotography system allows imaging of in-flight particles and their interactions. The mass of landing particles is logged to inform deposition rates. Quantitative measurements include particle morphology characterization, settling velocities, flow rates, and estimation of concentrations. Simultaneous observations of particle interaction processes and settling dynamics through direct control over a wide range of parameters will improve our parameterization of volcanic plume dynamics. Although the apparatus has been specifically designed for volcanological investigations, it can also be used to explore the characteristics of free-falling particle columns occurring in both environmental and industrial settings.
Citation
Capponi , A , Lane , S J , Gilbert , J S , Macfarlane , D G , Robertson , D A & James , M R 2022 , ' A novel experimental chamber for the characterization of free-falling particles in volcanic plumes ' , Review of Scientific Instruments , vol. 93 , no. 7 , 075105 . https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0093730
Publication
Review of Scientific Instruments
Status
Peer reviewed
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0093730
ISSN
0034-6748
Type
Journal article
Rights
Copyright © 2022 Author(s). All article content, except where otherwise noted, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Description
Funding: The authors gratefully acknowledge the support from NERC, Grant No. NE/S005218/1, “Radar-supported Next-Generation Forecasting of Volcanic Ash Hazard (R4AsH).”
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  • University of St Andrews Research
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/10023/25736

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