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Peter Webley

University of Alaska Fairbanks, Geophysical Institute, Faculty Member

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I am part of the UAF-AVO Remote Sensing group involved in operational use of remote sensing data for the volcanoes in Alaska.

As part of this group, I am responsible for the Puff model predictions of the volcanic ash dispersion during operationally monitoring.

In addition, I am one of five scientists who take the responsibilities for the AVO Duty Remote sensing scientist. This is an on-call duty, 24 hrs a day.

I am also responsible for the development and maintenance of the automated Puff model ash dispersion predictions for elevated alert volcanoes for the NOPAC and beyond. This is displayed via website (http://puff.images.alaska.edu)

Specialties
IDL, expert in ENVI software. Experience in coding into Google Earth and Maps, LINUX, FORTRAN + standard MS Office tools. Extensive knowledge of image processing + data analysis for several remote-sensing systems. PhD on InSAR for volcano deformation, attention to the atmospheric correction. Postdoc use of thermal remote sensing to Central American. Development of AVHRR station + automated thermal monitoring of volcanoes. Operational remote sensing team at AVO and Duty Remote Sensor team.
Phone: 907 474 1542
Address: Geophysical Institute,
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks
AK
99775

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Papers by Peter Webley

Correcting InSAR data for tropospheric path effects over volcanoes using dynamic atmospheric models

ABSTRACT The benefits of applying independent models of atmospheric path effects over volcanoes o... more ABSTRACT The benefits of applying independent models of atmospheric path effects over volcanoes on differential InSAR-measured ground motion are potentially considerable. The technique that has been developed consists of running a three dimensional mesoscale atmospheric model at high resolution over the volcano to simulate the state of the atmosphere at the time of radar image acquisition. The amounts of water vapou and the resultant wave delays can be calculated along the radar lines of sight.

Eruption of Alaska volcano breaks historic pattern

In the late morning of 12 July 2008, the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) received an unexpected ... more In the late morning of 12 July 2008, the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) received an unexpected call from the US Coast Guard, reporting an explosive volcanic eruption in the central Aleutians in the vicinity of Okmok volcano, a relatively young (∼ 2000-year-old) caldera. The Coast Guard had received an emergency call requesting assistance from a family living at a cattle ranch on the flanks of the volcano, who reported loud “thunder,” lightning, and noontime darkness due to ashfall.

Atmospheric models, GPS and InSAR measurements of the tropospheric water vapour field over Mount Etna

Dynamic models of atmospheric movement over the Mount Etna volcano are used to calculate the path... more Dynamic models of atmospheric movement over the Mount Etna volcano are used to calculate the path delays affecting radar caused by variable water vapour in the troposphere. We compare these model results with the equivalent differential radar interferogram generated by two ERS-2 SAR images taken 35 days apart and the water vapour delay retrievals from a network of fourteen GPS stations distributed over the volcano.

A multidisciplinary effort to assign realistic source parameters to models of volcanic ash-cloud transport and dispersion during eruptions

During volcanic eruptions, volcanic ash transport and dispersion models (VATDs) are used to forec... more During volcanic eruptions, volcanic ash transport and dispersion models (VATDs) are used to forecast the location and movement of ash clouds over hours to days in order to define hazards to aircraft and to communities downwind. Those models use input parameters, called “eruption source parameters”, such as plume height H, mass eruption rate Ṁ, duration D, and the mass fraction m63 of erupted debris finer than about 4ϕ or 63 μm, which can remain in the cloud for many hours or days.

Evidence of atmospheric gravity waves during the 2008 eruption of Okmok volcano from seismic and remote sensing observations

Okmok volcano erupted on July 12, 2008, following an 11-year hiatus. Detailed inspection of the s... more

Analyzing the Eyjafjallajökull 2010 eruption using satellite remote sensing, lidar and WRF-Chem dispersion and tracking model

Volcanic ash forecasting is a critical tool in hazard assessment and operational volcano monitori... more Volcanic ash forecasting is a critical tool in hazard assessment and operational volcano monitoring. The use of volcanic ash transport and dispersion models allows analysts to determine the future location of ash clouds. In April–May 2010, Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland erupted explosively. Presented here is an evaluation of the volcanic application of the weather research and forecasting in-line chemistry model (WRF-Chem) applied to Eyjafjallajökull.

Estimation and propagation of volcanic source parameter uncertainty in an ash transport and dispersal model: application to the Eyjafjallajokull plume of 14–16 April 2010

Abstract Data on source conditions for the 14 April 2010 paroxysmal phase of the Eyjafjallajökull... more Abstract Data on source conditions for the 14 April 2010 paroxysmal phase of the Eyjafjallajökull eruption, Iceland, have been used as inputs to a trajectory-based eruption column model, bent. This model has in turn been adapted to generate output suitable as input to the volcanic ash transport and dispersal model, puff, which was used to propagate the paroxysmal ash cloud toward and over Europe over the following days.

Inclusion of Ash and SO2 emissions from volcanic eruptions in WRF-CHEM: development and some applications

Abstract We describe a new functionality within the Weather Research and Forecasting model with c... more Abstract We describe a new functionality within the Weather Research and Forecasting model with coupled Chemistry (WRF-Chem) that allows simulating emission, transport, dispersion, transformation and sedimentation of pollutants released during volcanic activities. Emissions from both an explosive eruption case and relatively calm degassing 5 situation are considered using the most recent volcanic emission databases.

A DDDAS Framework for Volcanic Ash Propagation and Hazard Analysis

In this paper we will present early work on using a DDDAS based approach to the construction of p... more In this paper we will present early work on using a DDDAS based approach to the construction of probabilistic estimates of volcanic ash transport and dispersal. Our primary modeling tools will be a combination of a plume eruption model BENT and the ash transport model PUFF. Data from satellite imagery, observation of vent parameters and windfields will drive our simulations. We will use uncertainty quantification methodology–polynomial chaos quadrature in combination with data integration to complete the DDDAS loop.

1-1 Stratosphere-Troposphere Observations; Approach from Atmospheric Remote-sensing to Social Safety Predicting and Validating the Motion of an Ash Cloud during the 2006 Eruption of

On 11 January 2006 Mount Augustine (59.36 N, 153.435 W) volcano in southern Alaska began erupting... more On 11 January 2006 Mount Augustine (59.36 N, 153.435 W) volcano in southern Alaska began erupting after a 20-year repose (Power et al, 2006). There were 13 explosive eruptions in 20 days with a period of continuous activity from 28 January until 2 February. This period began at 0537 28 January UTC (2037 27 January Alaskan Standard Time, AKST) with four strong explosions that generated ash plumes to heights of 9 km above sea level. Figure 1 shows the ash plume over the volcano on the afternoon of 30 January.

Volcano Detectives: Locating, Predicting and Avoiding Ash Clouds

World, Jan 1, 2008

Predicting and validating the tracking of a Volcanic Ash Cloud during the 2006 Eruption of Mt. Augustine Volcano

Bulletin of the American …, Jan 1, 2008

THE ROLE OF REMOTE SENSING IN MONITORING OF AUGUSTINE VOLCANO

… Annual Meeting of …, Jan 1, 2006

Augustine Volcano erupted explosively starting on 11 January 2006 and over the next few weeks man... more Augustine Volcano erupted explosively starting on 11 January 2006 and over the next few weeks many more events followed disrupting air traffic throughout the region. Satellite data were used to detect and monitor surface and airborne components of the eruption. Augustine Volcano is located in the Lower Cook Inlet, 275 km (171 miles) SW of Anchorage, Alaska. It is situated at 59.36 N, 153.43 W and has an elevation of 1260m (4134ft). Volcanic activity is routinely monitored throughout the North Pacific Region as part of the Alaska ...

Satellite and ground observations of the June 2009 eruption of Sarychev Peak volcano, Matua Island, Central Kuriles

Bulletin of …, Jan 1, 2011

Satellite observations of a surtseyan eruption: Hunga Ha'apai, Tonga

Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal …, Jan 1, 2010

Testing Real-Time Remote Sensing for Monitoring Volcanic Activity in Central America (Abstract Only)

… on Volcanic Ash and Aviation Safety, Jan 1, 2004

Abstract: The authors present the results and implementation of a project that designs, installs ... more Abstract: The authors present the results and implementation of a project that designs, installs and operates a monitoring system that is based on remote sensing for volcanoes located in Central America. The system is located locally in Managua, Nicaragua, however it is able to monitor all of Central America. The system is based on Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) data capture. Up to 8 satellite passes a day are received and automatically processed to offer information on volcanic hot spots. In the future, ...

Aerosol measurements from a recent Alaskan volcanic eruption: Implications for volcanic ash transport predictions

Journal of Volcanology …, Jan 1, 2010

Automated forecasting of volcanic ash dispersion utilizing Virtual Globes

Natural hazards, Jan 1, 2009

Volcanic ash fuels anomalous plankton bloom in subarctic northeast Pacific

Geophysical Research …, Jan 1, 2010

Improved prediction and tracking of volcanic ash clouds

Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, Jan 1, 2009

Correcting InSAR data for tropospheric path effects over volcanoes using dynamic atmospheric models

ABSTRACT The benefits of applying independent models of atmospheric path effects over volcanoes o... more ABSTRACT The benefits of applying independent models of atmospheric path effects over volcanoes on differential InSAR-measured ground motion are potentially considerable. The technique that has been developed consists of running a three dimensional mesoscale atmospheric model at high resolution over the volcano to simulate the state of the atmosphere at the time of radar image acquisition. The amounts of water vapou and the resultant wave delays can be calculated along the radar lines of sight.

Eruption of Alaska volcano breaks historic pattern

In the late morning of 12 July 2008, the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) received an unexpected ... more In the late morning of 12 July 2008, the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) received an unexpected call from the US Coast Guard, reporting an explosive volcanic eruption in the central Aleutians in the vicinity of Okmok volcano, a relatively young (∼ 2000-year-old) caldera. The Coast Guard had received an emergency call requesting assistance from a family living at a cattle ranch on the flanks of the volcano, who reported loud “thunder,” lightning, and noontime darkness due to ashfall.

Atmospheric models, GPS and InSAR measurements of the tropospheric water vapour field over Mount Etna

Dynamic models of atmospheric movement over the Mount Etna volcano are used to calculate the path... more Dynamic models of atmospheric movement over the Mount Etna volcano are used to calculate the path delays affecting radar caused by variable water vapour in the troposphere. We compare these model results with the equivalent differential radar interferogram generated by two ERS-2 SAR images taken 35 days apart and the water vapour delay retrievals from a network of fourteen GPS stations distributed over the volcano.

A multidisciplinary effort to assign realistic source parameters to models of volcanic ash-cloud transport and dispersion during eruptions

During volcanic eruptions, volcanic ash transport and dispersion models (VATDs) are used to forec... more During volcanic eruptions, volcanic ash transport and dispersion models (VATDs) are used to forecast the location and movement of ash clouds over hours to days in order to define hazards to aircraft and to communities downwind. Those models use input parameters, called “eruption source parameters”, such as plume height H, mass eruption rate Ṁ, duration D, and the mass fraction m63 of erupted debris finer than about 4ϕ or 63 μm, which can remain in the cloud for many hours or days.

Evidence of atmospheric gravity waves during the 2008 eruption of Okmok volcano from seismic and remote sensing observations

Okmok volcano erupted on July 12, 2008, following an 11-year hiatus. Detailed inspection of the s... more

Analyzing the Eyjafjallajökull 2010 eruption using satellite remote sensing, lidar and WRF-Chem dispersion and tracking model

Volcanic ash forecasting is a critical tool in hazard assessment and operational volcano monitori... more Volcanic ash forecasting is a critical tool in hazard assessment and operational volcano monitoring. The use of volcanic ash transport and dispersion models allows analysts to determine the future location of ash clouds. In April–May 2010, Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland erupted explosively. Presented here is an evaluation of the volcanic application of the weather research and forecasting in-line chemistry model (WRF-Chem) applied to Eyjafjallajökull.

Estimation and propagation of volcanic source parameter uncertainty in an ash transport and dispersal model: application to the Eyjafjallajokull plume of 14–16 April 2010

Abstract Data on source conditions for the 14 April 2010 paroxysmal phase of the Eyjafjallajökull... more Abstract Data on source conditions for the 14 April 2010 paroxysmal phase of the Eyjafjallajökull eruption, Iceland, have been used as inputs to a trajectory-based eruption column model, bent. This model has in turn been adapted to generate output suitable as input to the volcanic ash transport and dispersal model, puff, which was used to propagate the paroxysmal ash cloud toward and over Europe over the following days.

Inclusion of Ash and SO2 emissions from volcanic eruptions in WRF-CHEM: development and some applications

Abstract We describe a new functionality within the Weather Research and Forecasting model with c... more Abstract We describe a new functionality within the Weather Research and Forecasting model with coupled Chemistry (WRF-Chem) that allows simulating emission, transport, dispersion, transformation and sedimentation of pollutants released during volcanic activities. Emissions from both an explosive eruption case and relatively calm degassing 5 situation are considered using the most recent volcanic emission databases.

A DDDAS Framework for Volcanic Ash Propagation and Hazard Analysis

In this paper we will present early work on using a DDDAS based approach to the construction of p... more In this paper we will present early work on using a DDDAS based approach to the construction of probabilistic estimates of volcanic ash transport and dispersal. Our primary modeling tools will be a combination of a plume eruption model BENT and the ash transport model PUFF. Data from satellite imagery, observation of vent parameters and windfields will drive our simulations. We will use uncertainty quantification methodology–polynomial chaos quadrature in combination with data integration to complete the DDDAS loop.

1-1 Stratosphere-Troposphere Observations; Approach from Atmospheric Remote-sensing to Social Safety Predicting and Validating the Motion of an Ash Cloud during the 2006 Eruption of

On 11 January 2006 Mount Augustine (59.36 N, 153.435 W) volcano in southern Alaska began erupting... more On 11 January 2006 Mount Augustine (59.36 N, 153.435 W) volcano in southern Alaska began erupting after a 20-year repose (Power et al, 2006). There were 13 explosive eruptions in 20 days with a period of continuous activity from 28 January until 2 February. This period began at 0537 28 January UTC (2037 27 January Alaskan Standard Time, AKST) with four strong explosions that generated ash plumes to heights of 9 km above sea level. Figure 1 shows the ash plume over the volcano on the afternoon of 30 January.

Volcano Detectives: Locating, Predicting and Avoiding Ash Clouds

World, Jan 1, 2008

Predicting and validating the tracking of a Volcanic Ash Cloud during the 2006 Eruption of Mt. Augustine Volcano

Bulletin of the American …, Jan 1, 2008

THE ROLE OF REMOTE SENSING IN MONITORING OF AUGUSTINE VOLCANO

… Annual Meeting of …, Jan 1, 2006

Augustine Volcano erupted explosively starting on 11 January 2006 and over the next few weeks man... more Augustine Volcano erupted explosively starting on 11 January 2006 and over the next few weeks many more events followed disrupting air traffic throughout the region. Satellite data were used to detect and monitor surface and airborne components of the eruption. Augustine Volcano is located in the Lower Cook Inlet, 275 km (171 miles) SW of Anchorage, Alaska. It is situated at 59.36 N, 153.43 W and has an elevation of 1260m (4134ft). Volcanic activity is routinely monitored throughout the North Pacific Region as part of the Alaska ...

Satellite and ground observations of the June 2009 eruption of Sarychev Peak volcano, Matua Island, Central Kuriles

Bulletin of …, Jan 1, 2011

Satellite observations of a surtseyan eruption: Hunga Ha'apai, Tonga

Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal …, Jan 1, 2010

Testing Real-Time Remote Sensing for Monitoring Volcanic Activity in Central America (Abstract Only)

… on Volcanic Ash and Aviation Safety, Jan 1, 2004

Abstract: The authors present the results and implementation of a project that designs, installs ... more Abstract: The authors present the results and implementation of a project that designs, installs and operates a monitoring system that is based on remote sensing for volcanoes located in Central America. The system is located locally in Managua, Nicaragua, however it is able to monitor all of Central America. The system is based on Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) data capture. Up to 8 satellite passes a day are received and automatically processed to offer information on volcanic hot spots. In the future, ...

Aerosol measurements from a recent Alaskan volcanic eruption: Implications for volcanic ash transport predictions

Journal of Volcanology …, Jan 1, 2010

Automated forecasting of volcanic ash dispersion utilizing Virtual Globes

Natural hazards, Jan 1, 2009

Volcanic ash fuels anomalous plankton bloom in subarctic northeast Pacific

Geophysical Research …, Jan 1, 2010

Improved prediction and tracking of volcanic ash clouds

Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, Jan 1, 2009