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An interface for simulating radiative transfer in and around volcanic plumes with the Monte Carlo radiative transfer model McArtim

Open-File Report 2016-1045
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https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20161045

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Abstract

This report describes two software tools that, when used as front ends for the three-dimensional backward Monte Carlo atmospheric-radiative-transfer model (RTM) McArtim, facilitate the generation of lookup tables of volcanic-plume optical-transmittance characteristics in the ultraviolet/visible-spectral region. In particular, the differential optical depth and derivatives thereof (that is, weighting functions), with regard to a change in SO2 column density or aerosol optical thickness, can be simulated for a specific measurement geometry and a representative range of plume conditions. These tables are required for the retrieval of SO2 column density in volcanic plumes, using the simulated radiative-transfer/differential optical-absorption spectroscopic (SRT-DOAS) approach outlined by Kern and others (2012). This report, together with the software tools published online, is intended to make this sophisticated SRT-DOAS technique available to volcanologists and gas geochemists in an operational environment, without the need for an indepth treatment of the underlying principles or the low-level interface of the RTM McArtim.

Suggested Citation

Kern, Christoph, 2016, An interface for simulating radiative transfer in and around volcanic plumes with the Monte Carlo radiative transfer model McArtim: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2016–1045, 18 p., https://dx.doi.org/10.3133/ofr20161045.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • LT-Builder
  • RTVP
  • Conclusions
  • Acknowledgments
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title An interface for simulating radiative transfer in and around volcanic plumes with the Monte Carlo radiative transfer model McArtim
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2016-1045
DOI 10.3133/ofr20161045
Publication Date March 23, 2016
Year Published 2016
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Volcano Science Center
Description iv, 18 p.
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Additional publication details