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NASA NTRS1982

Mount St. Helens plume dispersion based on trajectory analyses

The major eruption of Mount St. Helens on 18 May 1980, had sufficient energy to traverse the troposphere (9 km above the mountain top) and to penetrate an additional 10 km into the stratosphere. This plume, initially quasi-vertical, rapidly acquired the horizontal momentum of the environmental winds and suffered differential rotation due to a positive speed shear in the troposphere and a negative shear in the stratosphere. Advected rapidly eastward by the undulating jet stream, the lower stratospheric portion of the plume circled the globe at an average speed of approx. 25 m s/l, reentering North America over California in early June. During the same period, the uppermost portion slowly looped over the northwestern United States and then moved westward over the northern Pacific Ocean. Thus, plume dispersion was initiated by the vertical shears of the horizontal winds which converted a nearly vertical plume to a thin, quasi-horizontal, quasi-zonal lamina. Horizontal shears then dispersed the lamina meridionally while small-scale, wave turbulent motions spread it slowly vertically.

Danielsen, E. F.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Problems in the climatology of the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruptions

A brief review of the effects of climate and weather on the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruptions and the subsequent dispersion of ash and gases and the reciprocal influences of the eruptions on climate and climatology is presented. The effects of mesoscale destruction of snow fields and vegetation, a revised mountain profile, and ash deposits are addressed along with impacts on hemispheric climate and disruption of normal climatological observations, in the areas directly affected by the explosions and ashfall. Environmental and economic consequences are also considered.

Critchfield, H. J.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Measurements of SO2 in the Mount St. Helens debris

Routine measurements of ozone and SO2 are made with the Dobson and Brewer spectrophotometers at the Atmospheric Environment Service in Downsview Ontario. On May 20 and 21, 1980, large values of column SO2 were observed with both spectrophotometers at the time of passage of the Mount St. Helens debris. Enhanced SO2 values were first observed at 1800Z on May 20. The maximum column amount of SO2 measured was 0.06 cm at 2200 Z. On May 21, SO2 values slowly decreased from 0.03 cm at 1100 Z cm to 0.01 cm at 2000Z. Typical SO2 amounts due to pollution at the Downsview site are approximately 0.003 to 0.005 cm. At the same time of maximum SO2 enhancement, both Dobson and Brewer spectrophotometers measured a 0.040 cm decrease of total ozone. It is not clear whether the decrease of total ozone was caused by the volcanic cloud or natural ozone variability. Air mass trajectories indicate that the altitude of the debris cloud, which passed over Downsview at the time, was between 10 km and 12 km.

Kerr, J. B.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Ash loading and insolation at Hanford, Washington during and after the eruption of Mount St. Helens

The effects of volcanic ash suspended in the atmosphere on the incident solar radiation was monitored at the Hanford Meteorological Station (HMS) subsequent to the major eruption of Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980. Passage of the ash plume over Hanford resulted in a very dramatic decrease of solar radiation intensity to zero. A reduction in visibility to less than 1 km was observed, as great quantities of ash fell out of the plume onto the ground. Ash loading in the atmosphere remained very high for several days following the eruption, primarily as a result of resuspension from the surface. Visibilities remained low (2 to 8 km) during this period. Estimates of atmospheric turbidity were made from the ratio of diffuse-to-direct solar radiation; these turbidities were used to estimate extinction along a horizontal path, a quantity which can be related to visibility. Comparisons of observed and estimated visibilities were very good, in spite of the rather coarse approximations used in the estimates. Atmospheric clarity and visibility improved to near pre-eruption conditions following a period of rain showers. The diffuse-to-direct ratio of solar radiation provided a useful index for estimating volcanic ash loading of the atmosphere.

Laulainen, N. S.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Mount St. Helens dust veil observed at Boulder, Colorado by optical techniques

Following the May 18, 1980, eruption of Mount St. Helens, photometric and photograhic observations were taken at Boulder, Colorado, to record the optical effects of volcanic dust atmospherically transported to this area. The instruments used included a narrow-beamwidth solar photometer which recorded solar irradiance in eight narrow-bandwidth channels in the wavelength range 0.3 to 1.1 microns, a solar aureole photometer, and two time-lapse camera systems. The eight-channel solar photometer data have been analyzed to obtain the wavelength dependence of optical thickness. At the longer wavelengths, on May 20, 1980, the optical thickness was as much as nine times that expected from a 'clean atmosphere' model. During the first several days following the eruption, the dust veil sometimes exhibited sufficient spatial structure that its motion can be seen on the time-lapse films. The results of analysis to date are presented and the plans for additional analysis are outlined.

Lerfald, G.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Aircraft sampling of the sulfate layer near the tropopause following the eruption of Mount St. Helens

Twenty filter sampling flights of the NASA Lewis F-106 aircraft were conducted in the Great Lakes region between June 4 and August 8, 1980, following the major eruption of Mount St. Helens, Washington on May 18. The IPC-1478 filters were exposed over an altitude range spanning the local tropopause. Quarter sections were analyzed for sulfate and nitrate by ion chromatography and selected samples were analyzed for chloride by selective ion electrode. Trace elements were searched by X-ray fluorescence analysis. A filter sample taken above the tropopause on June 5 indicated a sulfate level of 50 times the baseline measurements. Subsequent measurements over a period of 2 months showed an initial dropoff and formation of a persistent layer of sulfate above the tropopause with a concentration of 10 to 18 times previously measured background-levels. Concentrations of nitrate above the tropopause exhibited considerable variability and some enhancement compared with previously measured concentration levels. It is suggested that the source of the nitrate may also be volcanic as evidenced by its temporal relationship to the sulfate concentration changes. Based on the null results of X-ray fluorescence measurements, there is no evidence of ash particle concentrations greater than 3.4 microns g/cubic m persisting in the layer above the tropopause after the second transit of the cloud.

Lezberg, E. A.↗
NASA NTRS1982

An incursion of dust in the southwestern United States from April 1980 eruptions of Mount St. Helens

An intrusion of volcanic dust occurred over the northern Mojave Desert, one month before the explosive eruption of 18 May 1980. Visibility was reduced to 15 to 30 miles during meteorological conditions that should have yielded a visibility in excess of 100 miles. This intrusion was documented by particle size distributions, scanning electron microscope analysis of Nuclepore filter samples, insolation measurements, observations by Navy and NASA aircraft, and meteorological data. No further incidents have been observed to date because of a lack of simultaneous volcanic activity with the particular wind patterns that existed in April. Therefore, under certain meteorological conditions, the desert of the southwestern United States could be significantly affected by volcanic ash from an eruption of Mount St. Helens.

Mathews, L. A.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Mount St. Helens related aerosol properties from solar extinction measurements

A network of solar radiometers, operated on the North American Continent for an average of 2 years before the first major eruption of Mount St. Helens, Washington, continues to collect direct solar data through the eruptive phase of this volcano. The radiometers collect spectral data through 12 interference filters spanning the sensitivity of the photodiode used as detector. The data are collected every 5 minutes in seven filters and every 15 minutes in five additional filters. A variant of the classical Langley method has been used to measure the optical depth of the aerosols as a function of wavelength. The network, which is the nearest station, is located some 180 kilometers east of the volcano, well within range of noticeable effects during much of the minor as well as major activity. The wavelength dependence of the aerosol-optical depth before and after the 22 July 1980 major eruption, which was well characterized because of favorable meteorological conditions is discussed.

Michalsky, J. J.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Forward scattering and backscattering of solar radiation by the stratospheric limb after Mount St. Helens eruption

Stratospheric limb radiance profiles versus altitude of closest approach of the line of sight to the Earth's surface have been measured before and after the Mount St. Helens eruptions by means of photographs taken from a Sun-oriented balloon gondola floating above 35 km altitude over France. Preliminary data were reported for flights in October 1979 and in May and June 1980. The radiance integrated along the line of sight as in-situ radiance (R) can be derived taking into account absorption by ozone and air. The onion peeling inversion method was used to derive the vertical radiance (R) profiles respectively. The values of R were determined in the solar azimuth. The solar elevation angles are chosen larger for the backscattering observation than for the forward scattering observation to deal with as similar illumination conditions as possible despite the Earth's sphericity.

Ackerman, M.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Tabulations of static pressure coefficients on the surfaces of 3 pylon-mounted axisymmetric flow-through nacelles at Mach numbers from 0.40 to 0.98

Three flow through nacelles mounted on an 82 deg swept pylon (10 percent thickness-to-chord ratio) were tested in the Langley 16 foot Transonic Tunnel. The long uncambered pylon was supported from a small body of revolution so that pressure measurements on the nacelle and pylon represent a pylon nacelle flow field without a wing present. Two nacelles had NACA 1-85-100 inlets and different circular arc afterbodies. The third nacelle had an NACA 1-70-100 inlet with a circular arc afterbody having the same external shape as one of the other nacelles. Nacelle length to maximum diameter ratio was 3.5. Data were obtained at angles of attack from 2 deg to 8 deg at selected Mach numbers.

Re, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Results from tests, with van-mounted sensor, of magnetic leader cable for aircraft guidance during roll-out and turnoff

Tests were conducted with a van mounted experimental magnetic leader cable sensor to evaluate its potential for measuring aircraft displacement and heading with respect to the leader cable during roll out and turnoff. Test results show that the system may be usable in measuring displacement but the heading measurement contains errors introduced by distortion of the magnetic field by the metal van or aircraft.

Young, J. C.↗
NASA NTRS1983

The minimization of pylon-mounted store effects on air combat capability

Some effects of pylon-mounted missiles on aft-tail delta wing supersonic fighter concepts have been investigated. Whereas minimum drag penalties do occur with the addition of missiles, the effects at higher lifts, corresponding to maneuvering flight, are less severe and often favorable. Lower speeds and altitudes enhance the maneuvering capability and one-on-one air combat would probably tend to degenerate to subsonic speeds even though the combatants may be flying supersonic fighters. Higher speed (supersonic) flight might best be reserved for interceptors with long-range missiles where the weapon carriage effects at low angles of attack are of prime importance.

Spearman, M. L.↗
NASA NTRS1983

The design and development of a mounting and jettison assembly for the shuttle orbiter advanced gimbal system

This paper describes the requirements, design development, and qualification of the mounting and jettison assembly (MJA) which serves as the base structure for the advanced gimbal system (AGS) developed for NASA, Marshall Space Flight Center, for use during shuttle missions. An engineering model of the MJA has been built and subjected to the following testing: stiffness and modal characterization, sine and random vibration, and a jettison function and energy release. A qualitative summary of the results and the problems encountered during testing, together with the design solutions, is presented.

Korzeniowski, E. S.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Solar rotation results at Mount Wilson

Solar rotation results from Doppler velocity measurements made at Mount Wilson over a period of more than 14 years are presented based on a single reduction procedure. The observations were made with the wavelength 5250.2 A line of Fe I, and wavelength shifts of the line were simultaneously recorded. Data from 188 rotations are presented. Measurements of scattered light along with its effect on the measured rotation rate are given.

Howard, R.↗
NASA NTRS1983

The 1980 eruptions of Mount St. Helens - Physical and chemical processes in the stratospheric clouds

The large and diverse set of observational data collected in the high-altitude plumes of the May 18, May 25, and June 13, 1980 eruptions is organized and analyzed with a view to discerning the processes at work. The data serve to guide and constrain detailed model simulations of the volcanic clouds. For this purpose, use is made of a comprehensive one-dimensional model of stratospheric sulfate aerosols, sulfur precursor gases, and volcanic ash and dust. The model takes into account gas-phase and condensed-phase (heterogeneous) chemistry in the clouds, aerosol nucleation and growth, and cloud expansion. Computational results are presented for the time histories of the gaseous species concentrations, aerosol size distributions, and ash burdens of the eruption clouds. Also investigated are the long-term buildup of stratospheric aerosols in the Northern Hemisphere and the persistent effects of injected chlorine and water vapor on stratospheric ozone. It is concluded that SO2, water vapor, and ash were probably the most important substances injected into the stratosphere by the Mount St. Helens volcano, both with respect to their widespread effects on composition and their effect on climate.

Turco, R. P.↗
NASA NTRS1983

The Mount Wilson magnetograph

In the summer of 1957, an instrument quite similar to the prototype solar magnetograph described by Babcock (1953) was installed at the 150-foot tower telescope at the Mount Wilson Observatory, and daily magnetograph observations of the full disk of the sun were started. During the following years, the instrument was modified and improved on several occasions. The present investigation is concerned with the present state of the magnetograph, which was largely rebuilt during 1981. Attention is given to the spectrograph entrance slit, the diffraction grating, the exit slit, the employed microprocessor, the setup procedure, the magnetic signal, the Doppler signal, and a solar magnetogram.

Howard, R.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Chronology, morphology and stratigraphy of pumiceous pyroclastic-flow (ignimbrite) deposits from the eruption of Mount St. Helens on 18 May 1983

Between 1217 and 1620 hours (PDT), on May 18, 1980, the magmatic eruption column of Mount St. Helens formed an ash fountain and pyroclastic flows dominated the eruption process over tephra ejection. Eurption-rate pulsations generally increased to a maximum at 1600 to 1700 hrs. After 1620 hrs, the eruption assumed an open-vent discharge with strong, vertical ejection of tephra. Relative eruption rates (relative mass flux rates) of the pyroclastic flows were determined by correlating sequential photographs and SLAR images, obtained during the eruption, with stratigraphy and surface morphology of the deposits.

Criswell, C. W.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Drainage Evolution in the Debris Avalanche Deposits Near Mount Saint Helens, Washington

The 18 May 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens was initiated by a massive rockslide-debris avalanche which completely transformed the upper 25 km of the North Fork Toutle River valley. The debris was generated by one of the largest gravitational mass movements ever recorded on Earth. Moving at an average velocity of 35 m/s, the debris avalanche buried approximately 60 sq km of terrain to an average depth of 45 m with unconsolidated, poorly sorted volcaniclastic material, all within a period of 10 minutes. Where exposed and unaltered by subsequent lahars and pyroclastic flows, the new terrain surface was characterized predominantly by hummocks, closed depressions, and the absence of an identifiable channel network. Following emplacement of the debris avalanche, a complex interrelationship of fluvial and mass wasting processes immediately began operating to return the impacted area to an equilibrium status through the removal of material (potential energy) and re-establishment of graded conditions. In an attempt to chronicle the morphologic evolution of this unique environmental setting, a systematic series of interpretative maps of several selected areas was produced. These maps, which document the rate and character of active geomorphic processes, are discussed.

Gary L Beach↗