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Modeling GPS Signal Propagation Through Volcanic Plumes
Author(s) -
Rainville Nicholas,
Palo Scott,
Larson Kristine M.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of geophysical research: atmospheres
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2169-8996
pISSN - 2169-897X
DOI - 10.1029/2020jd034526
Subject(s) - global positioning system , plume , volcano , gps signals , tephra , geology , signal (programming language) , assisted gps , remote sensing , seismology , geodesy , meteorology , telecommunications , physics , computer science , programming language
Volcanic plumes have been detected by monitoring for a drop in the Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) of Global Positioning System (GPS) signals at receivers close to the erupting volcano. Understanding the physical processes causing this decrease in GPS SNR during eruptions can help to both refine the plume detection technique and to better understand the structure of the observed plume. However, there are multiple physical effects that may cause signal extinction within a plume, and understanding how GPS signals interact with tephra particles is critical to explaining the loss in signal strength. To uncover which conditions could significantly affect GPS signals, a forward model for electromagnetic scattering and absorption through a plume is developed. Plume geometry as well as particle composition, density, and charge is considered and evaluated for contribution to GPS signal extinction. The simulated results are compared against GPS data taken during two eruptions: the 23 November 2013 eruption at Etna Volcano and the 23 March 2009 eruption of Redoubt Volcano.