Atmosphärische Dispersion und damit verbundene Gesundheitsgefährdung hervorgerufen durch die kontinuierliche Entgasung der Vulkane Nicaraguas

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Matthias Hort
• Subject Area: Atmospheric Science
• Term: from 2007 to 2010
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 40899397

The goal of the proposed project is an improved determination of the dispersion of continuous volcanic emissions into the atmosphere, the chemical and aerosol microphysical modifications of the released gases and aerosols, related acid deposition and impacts on the environment and human health. Nicaragua with its currently six active volcanoes is chosen as study area, because of its continuous volcanic activity that is monitored by a complex geophysical network including gas emissions. Numerical model simulations with the regional scale atmospherechemistry/ aerosol model REMOTE will be carried out over Central America focussing on Nicaragua. Simulation periods from weeks to months are planned covering both, the dry and rainy season. Volcanic plume rise in the atmosphere will be considered by calculating an effective emission height of the volcanic plume into the atmosphere dependent on volcanic heat flux and meteorological conditions to investigate their importance for further dispersion of the volcanic trace species in the atmosphere. The results of the model simulations will be evaluated by comparisons with available ground based and satellite observations of trace species with most of the ground based measurements in Nicaragua being collected during the dry season.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Participating Person: Privatdozent Dr. Thor Henrik Hansteen