DSCOVR Satellite Volcanic Sulfur Dioxide and Ash Tracking Data

Global volcanic sulfur dioxide and ash observations are derived from the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) satellite's Enhanced Polychromatic Imaging Camera. The dataset applies mature retrieval algorithms from heritage instruments like TOMS and OMI to ultraviolet channels, enabling tracking of volcanic plumes. It is produced by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, with metadata indicating an update in March 2026.

Use Cases

• Tracking the dispersion and mass of SO2 from volcanic eruptions using ultraviolet channel retrievals.
• Estimating volcanic ash mass and plume height for aviation hazard mitigation.
• Inter-comparing volcanic aerosol data with co-located UV and infrared satellite sensors.
• Monitoring global background levels of atmospheric sulfur compounds.

Strengths

• Data is produced by NASA, indicating authoritative collection and processing.
• Applies mature, proven algorithms from heritage instruments (TOMS, OMI).
• Provides key ultraviolet channels specifically suited for SO2 and ash retrieval.

Limitations

• Specific column names, row counts, and dataset size are not provided by any source.
• Sources conflict on license information: one platform specifies 'other-license-specified' while another lists 'None'.
• The temporal coverage and exact spatial resolution of the product are not detailed.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing via the DSCOVR spacecraft's Enhanced Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC).

Freshness

2026-03-13 03:07:59.358703

Geography

Global