Near-real-time volcanic cloud monitoring: insights into global explosive volcanic eruptive activity through analysis of Volcanic Ash Advisories

Abstract Understanding the location, intensity, and likely duration of volcanic hazards is key to reducing risk from eruptions. Here, we use a novel near-real-time dataset comprising Volcanic Ash Advisories (VAAs) issued over 10 years investigate global rates durations explosive activity. The VAAs were collected nine Advisory Centres (VAACs) worldwide. Information extracted allowed analysis frequency type behaviour, including eruption source parameters (ESPs) such as cloud height duration. results reflect changes in VAA reporting process, data sources, activity through time. show an increase number since 2015 that cannot be directly correlated Instead, many represent increased observations, improved capability detect low- mid-level clouds (FL101–FL200, 3–6 km asl), by higher temporal, spatial, spectral resolution satellite sensors. Comparison ESP with Mastin et al. (J Volcanol Geotherm Res 186:10–21, 2009a) database shows traditional assumptions used classification volcanoes could much simplified for operational use. highlights exceptional resource documenting on timescales complement more widely datasets.