Halogen activation in the plume of Masaya volcano: field observations and box model investigations

Volcanic emissions are a source of halogens in the atmosphere. Rapid reactions convert the initially emitted hydrogen halides (HCl, HBr, and HI) into reactive species such as BrO, Br2, BrCl, ClO, OClO, and IO. The activation reaction mechanisms in the plume consume ozone (O3), which is entrained by ambient air that is mixed into the plume. In this study, we present observations of the oxidation of bromine, chlorine, and iodine during the first 11 min following emission, examining the plume from Santiago crater of the Masaya volcano in Nicaragua. Two field campaigns were conducted: one in July 2016 and one in September 2016. The sum of the reactive species of each halogen was determined by g…

Retrieval of absolute SO<sub>2</sub> column amounts from scattered-light spectra – Implications for the evaluation of data from automated DOAS Networks

Abstract. Scanning Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) networks using scattered solar radiation have become an increasingly important tool for monitoring volcanic sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions. In order to get absolute column densities (CDs), the DOAS evaluation requires a Fraunhofer Reference Spectrum (FRS) that is free of absorption structures of the trace gas of interest. At volcanoes, this requirement can be formulated in a weaker form, if there is a plume free viewing direction within the spectra of a scan through the complete sky. In this case, it is possible to use a specific viewing direction (e.g. zenith) as FRS and correcting for possible plume contamination in t…

Supplementary material to "Halogen activation in the plume of Masaya volcano: field observations and box model investigations"

Variation of the BrO/SO2 molar ratio in the plume of Tungurahua volcano between 2007 and 2017 and its relationship to volcanic activity

International audience; Recent long-term observations of the bromine monoxide (BrO) to sulphur dioxide (SO2) molar ratio in volcanic plumes have suggested a link between changes in the BrO/SO2 ratio and the volcanic activity. Nevertheless, understanding of the mechanisms determining this link is still limited due to the lack of studies on volcanic bromine release from the melt into the atmosphere. We present the results of 10 years (2007–2017) of observations of the BrO/SO2 molar ratio in the volcanic plume of Tungurahua volcano, Ecuador. Following the nearly continuous eruptive activity from 1999 to 2008, Tungurahua showed alternating phases of eruptive activity separated by periods of qui…