Flights crossing the Mount Etna volcanic ash plume

On 12 March 2021, Mount Etna erupted and produced a series of paroxysmal episodes resulting in tephra and sulphate emissions with the volcanic plume drifting eastwards over the eastern Mediterranean region. Red lines in the map show flight segments that crossed pass the volcanic ash plume with wind data from ESA’s Aeolus mission between 12 and 13 March 2021.

Forecasting volcanic ash in the atmosphere is crucial for aviation, as ash can interfere with aircraft navigational instruments and can even damage engine parts. A new study, using wind data from ESA’s Aeolus mission, highlights the importance of using satellite missions like Aeolus to improve volcanic ash forecasting and ensure aviation safety in the future.

Read full story: Aeolus enhances volcanic ash forecasts for aviation safety