Australian Lidar Measurements of Aerosol Layers Associated with the 2015 Calbuco Eruption

The Calbuco volcano eruption in southern Chile (April 22–23, 2015) injected volcanic aerosols into the atmosphere, forming distinct stratospheric aerosol layers observed over South Australia and Tasmania. Using lidar measurements, atmospheric trajectory modeling, and satellite data (CALIOP & OMPS), researchers confirmed that these layers originated from Calbuco.

Key findings include:

• Stratospheric aerosol layers detected at Buckland Park (April 30 & May 3) and Kingston (May 17 & 22).

• Particle linear depolarization ratio of 18.0 ± 3.0% indicated a mix of ash and sulfate aerosols.

• Lidar ratio of 86 ± 37 sr, higher than previous volcanic events.

• Cirrus cloud formation near the tropopause on May 17, likely influenced by volcanic aerosols.

• Gravity waves affecting vertical aerosol transport, especially on May 22.

These findings enhance understanding of volcanic aerosol dispersal in the Southern Hemisphere, aiding climate impact assessments.

Keywords: Calbuco volcano, volcanic aerosols, lidar backscatter, stratospheric aerosols, CALIOP, OMPS, atmospheric modeling, gravity waves, sulfate aerosols, volcanic plume dispersion.