Finite-frequency modeling of regional tropospheric infrasound using realistic atmospheres and terrain.

Infrasonic waves have been observed to propagate to regional (greater than 15 km) distances through the troposphere. Infrasound propagation in the geometric acoustics approximation has shown that realistic terrain can scatter acoustic energy from tropospheric ducts; however, ray methods cannot intrinsically capture finite-frequency behavior such as diffraction. A two-dimensional finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method has been developed to solve linearized equations for infrasound propagation with realistic terrain. Acoustic wave propagation over 100 km with both flat terrain and a Gaussian hill was first simulated in order to compare finite-frequency propagation with ray predictions. The effects of realistic terrain and atmospheres on infrasound signals from a 2012 surface explosion at the Utah Testing and Training Range are then investigated. Propagation through the troposphere is suggested by array processing results, but eigenrays are not predicted due to weak to nonexistent ducting conditions. FDTD modeling suggests that the inclusion of terrain and finite frequency effects helps explain much of the observed signal in a realistic scenario. These results suggest that geometric acoustics may underestimate propagation through the troposphere, and that recorded waveforms at regional distances may be noticeably affected by terrain.

Atmospheric waves and global seismoacoustic observations of the January 2022 Hunga eruption, Tonga.

The 15 January 2022 climactic eruption of Hunga volcano, Tonga, produced an explosion in the atmosphere of a size that has not been documented in the modern geophysical record. The event generated a broad range of atmospheric waves observed globally by various ground-based and spaceborne instrumentation networks. Most prominent was the surface-guided Lamb wave (≲0.01 hertz), which we observed propagating for four (plus three antipodal) passages around Earth over 6 days. As measured by the Lamb wave amplitudes, the climactic Hunga explosion was comparable in size to that of the 1883 Krakatau eruption. The Hunga eruption produced remarkable globally detected infrasound (0.01 to 20 hertz), long-range (~10,000 kilometers) audible sound, and ionospheric perturbations. Seismometers worldwide recorded pure seismic and air-to-ground coupled waves. Air-to-sea coupling likely contributed to fast-arriving tsunamis. Here, we highlight exceptional observations of the atmospheric waves.

Unravelling the links between seismo-acoustic signals and eruptive parameters: Etna lava fountain case study.

Deriving eruption source parameters from geophysical data is critical for volcano hazard mitigation, yet remains a challenging task in most volcanoes worldwide. In this work, we explored the temporal relationship between geophysical signals and eruptive parameters measured during six explosive episodes from the New South-East Crater of Mt. Etna (Italy). The quadratic reduced seismic velocity and pressure were calculated to track the temporal variation of volcanic elastic radiation, and the lava fountain height was estimated by thermal camera image processing. The temporal relationships between these geophysical and eruptive time series were studied. In particular, the first considered lava fountain exhibited a "clockwise hysteresis" pattern: higher seismic amplitude with respect to the fountain height during the waxing phase as compared to the waning phase. We also calculated the regression parameters for both linear and power laws, linking seismo-acoustic and eruptive time series. For the linear regressions, we found fairly constant values of the scaling factors in five out of six eruptive episodes, which can be considered as a promising step to derive eruption source parameters from geophysical data in real-time. Regarding power law regressions, a clear relationship was observed between the exponents determined for the power law linking quadratic reduced velocity and lava fountain height, and the time interval duration from the previous eruption. These results suggest that the condition of the uppermost part of the plumbing system (e.g. viscosity of residing magma and conduit conditions) play a key role in the seismic energy generation during the eruptions.

Volcanic tremor and plume height hysteresis from Pavlof Volcano, Alaska.

The March 2016 eruption of Pavlof Volcano, Alaska, produced an ash plume that caused the cancellation of more than 100 flights in North America. The eruption generated strong tremor that was recorded by seismic and remote low-frequency acoustic (infrasound) stations, including the EarthScope Transportable Array. The relationship between the tremor amplitudes and plume height changes considerably between the waxing and waning portions of the eruption. Similar hysteresis has been observed between seismic river noise and discharge during storms, suggesting that flow and erosional processes in both rivers and volcanoes can produce irreversible structural changes that are detectable in geophysical data. We propose that the time-varying relationship at Pavlof arose from changes in the tremor source related to volcanic vent erosion. This relationship may improve estimates of volcanic emissions and characterization of eruption size and intensity.

First recorded eruption of Nabro volcano, Eritrea, 2011.

We present a synthesis of diverse observations of the first recorded eruption of Nabro volcano, Eritrea, which began on 12 June 2011. While no monitoring of the volcano was in effect at the time, it has been possible to reconstruct the nature and evolution of the eruption through analysis of regional seismological and infrasound data and satellite remote sensing data, supplemented by petrological analysis of erupted products and brief field surveys. The event is notable for the comparative rarity of recorded historical eruptions in the region and of caldera systems in general, for the prodigious quantity of SO2 emitted into the atmosphere and the significant human impacts that ensued notwithstanding the low population density of the Afar region. It is also relevant in understanding the broader magmatic and tectonic significance of the volcanic massif of which Nabro forms a part and which strikes obliquely to the principal rifting directions in the Red Sea and northern Afar. The whole-rock compositions of the erupted lavas and tephra range from trachybasaltic to trachybasaltic andesite, and crystal-hosted melt inclusions contain up to 3,000 ppm of sulphur by weight. The eruption was preceded by significant seismicity, detected by regional networks of sensors and accompanied by sustained tremor. Substantial infrasound was recorded at distances of hundreds to thousands of kilometres from the vent, beginning at the onset of the eruption and continuing for weeks. Analysis of ground deformation suggests the eruption was fed by a shallow, NW-SE-trending dike, which is consistent with field and satellite observations of vent distributions. Despite lack of prior planning and preparedness for volcanic events in the country, rapid coordination of the emergency response mitigated the human costs of the eruption.

Collective bubble oscillations as a component of surf infrasound.

Plunging surf is a known generator of infrasound, though the mechanisms have not been clearly identified. A model based on collective bubble oscillations created by demise of the initially entrained air pocket is examined. Computed spectra are compared to infrasound data from the island of Kauai during periods of medium, large, and extreme surf. Model results suggest that bubble oscillations generated by plunging waves are plausible generators of infrasound, and that dynamic bubble plume evolution on a temporal scale comparable to the breaking wave period may contribute to the broad spectral lobe of dominant infrasonic energy observed in measured data. Application of an inverse model has potential to characterize breaking wave size distributions, energy, and temporal changes in seafloor morphology based on remotely sensed infrasound.

Success with APCs.

APCs are having a greater impact on hospital operations and processes than DRGs did. Coding must be correct, complete, and compliant. Billing processes should catch errors before claims are submitted. Information systems designed specifically for outpatient PPS are needed. Organizational changes may include naming an APC coordinator and a CDM manager and improving the working relationship between the HIM department and the billing office.