Science & Space
EarthCARE Satellite Maps Volcanic Plume, Supporting Safer Air Travel
ESA’s EarthCARE satellite captured volcanic plume profiles after Anak Krakatau erupted, aiding aviation safety and climate research.
What happened
Following Anak Krakatau’s eruption, the European Space Agency’s EarthCARE satellite recorded vertical profiles of different constituents within the volcanic plume. The satellite is primarily designed to study how clouds and aerosols affect Earth’s climate, but these observations also provided valuable information to support safe air travel and improve understanding of eruptions’ climate effects.
Why it matters
The data gives aviation safety efforts information about the plume while strengthening scientific understanding of how volcanic aerosols influence the climate system.
Source: ESA