Monitoring volcanic ash in the atmosphere

Abstract

On several occasions, volcanic eruptions in the Andes have disrupted airspace for prolonged periods. Such eruptions include those in the southern Andes at the Chaitén volcano on 6 May 2008, and at Puyehue-Cordón Caulle on 4 June 2011. The 2011 eruption caused the suspension of about 3000 domestic flights over a period of seven months. Volcanic ash reached the city of Buenos Aires, which is 1700km from the eruption site, a number of times and caused widespread interruptions to air travel at the Ministro Pistarini International Airport in Ezeiza, Buenos Aires Province.