MS (2004, MTU)
PhD (expected 2008, MTU)
My research involves
detailed analysis of moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer
(MODIS) images to detect SO2 and ash abundances
within volcanic clouds.
The MODIS sensor, located on board NASA's Terra satellite, was
launched in 1999 and has since been sending scientists valueable
information concerning the absorption and transmittance features of the
atmosphere at various wavelengths. Especially important to the study of
volcanic emissions is the absorption and transmission of wavelenghts
ranging from 7 to 12 µm, which is considered the part of the
spectrum corresponding to infrared data. The volcano I am studying right now is Popocatepetl in Mexico, which is a significant and
persistant emitter of large amounts of SO2 and ash. The goals of
my research are to test the limitations and robustness of the
algorithms used to derive SO2 and ash abundances from
infrared data. Currently, absorptions features at wavelenghts 7.3
and 8.6 µm are used within radiative transfer models to calculate
the amount SO2 within a cloud. The
absorption feature between 11 and 12 µm is used to calculate the
amount of silica ash within a cloud, and algorithms have been developed
to do this as well. For more on my Masters research, click here.
PhD (expected 2008, MTU)
My research
for my PhD stems from the work I did
for my Masters. I
am still focused on
the detection of volcanic ash clouds using satellite data, but I am now
comparing this data to volcanic ash dispersion and trajectory models.
The image to the left is an example of data that is analyzed for my research. For a description of my PhD project,
click the link below. I have also completed a minor in
journalism here at MTU to make myself a better communicator of science
and
natural hazards to the public. For more details on my PhD
research, click here.
Research
Remote sensing of volcanic clouds
This image is of an ash cloud erupted from
2003.
by the AVHRR sensor aboard a NOAA Satellite are shown in the colors
green and yellow. Trajectory and dispersion results from the PUFF model
are shown in orange and red. Where they overlap is blue. An example of
when dispersion models of ash clouds and actual ash cloud observations
are not in agreement.
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