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Measurements of sulphur dioxide emissions from volcanoes provide critical evidence for forecasting eruptions. From 2001 the research team led by Clive Oppenheimer (Department of Geography, University of Cambridge: Lecturer 1994-2003; Reader 2003-12; Professor 2012-) has shown that a new technique based on UV spectroscopy can revolutionise such measurements. The approach (awarded a US patent in 2006) has since 2008 come to underpin the state-of-the-art in operational surveillance of volcanic emissions worldwide, contributing significantly to hazard assessment and emergency management at over thirty volcanoes, and helping to save lives by providing early warning. The team has trained and supported volcanologists around the world in the methodology (in Costa Rica, 2008; Java, 2010; Iceland, 2012), and has helped in collecting data during volcanic crises (e.g. Merapi, 2010), contributing to planning decisions and the safety of local populations.
Research on Frequency Selective Surface (FSS) structures has led to major advances in the design and manufacture of the world's most advanced payload instrumentation for use in Earth observation satellites. This technology has provided the core element of the radiometer instrumentation needed for more accurate global weather forecasts and better understanding of climate change. The advances described have made it possible to combine all of the different functions of the MetOP-SG radiometer into one instrument, thereby halving the footprint of the satellite payload resulting in a [text removed for publication] cost saving.
Research focussed on understanding volcanic degassing and developing monitoring methods to forecast volcanic activity forms the basis of this impact case; this work was carried out by a group of academic staff and early-career researchers based in Cambridge. The arrival of large fluxes of sulphur-rich gases at the surface can be used to assess magma movement and forecast volcanic activity. This assessment feeds into local governmental decisions regarding risk mitigation and development planning, and the viability of commercial enterprises requiring access to volcanic areas. The development of automatic spectrometer networks for monitoring sulphur dioxide emissions was pioneered by this group. The prototype system was developed at Soufriere Hills Volcano, Montserrat and since then, the design has been patented and adopted at 20 volcano observatories worldwide.
Andrew McGonigle's research is focused on the development of improved techniques for monitoring volcanic gases, data which are vital for assessing hazard levels and issuing pre-eruption evacuation alerts. The instrumentation derived from this research is considerably cheaper, more reliable and accurate and samples far more frequently than possible previously. These devices have been disseminated to at least 25 countries and are now used as internationally adopted standards by governmental agencies in monitoring and forecasting operations. McGonigle's work led to a Rolex Award for Enterprise in 2008, the Award citation stating that "his combination of science and advanced technology has the potential to save thousands of lives".
The 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull volcano, Iceland caused prolonged closure of European airspace, costing the global airline industry an estimated $200 million per day and disrupting 10 million passengers. We have developed and tested models that predict the dispersal of volcanic ash and developed instrumentation to monitor ash clouds during flight bans and used it to test the models. Our research played a key role in establishing the need for a flight ban and in the adoption of a more flexible approach to its staged lifting as the emergency continued. It also led to increased levels of readiness and to new emergency procedures being put in place across Europe which have minimised the economic costs and human inconvenience without an unacceptable rise in the risks to passengers and crew. The new procedures safely eliminated unnecessary disruption to flights in the latter days of the crisis and during the subsequent eruption of another Icelandic volcano, Grímsvötn in 2011.
Satellite measurements of sea surface temperature (SST) make a much greater impact on weather forecasting and climate change detection since University of Southampton (UoS) research revolutionised the way SST data are processed. Multiple satellite observations can now be combined into the more complete and detailed SST maps needed by fine resolution meteorological models and used for marine industry operations. Pioneering methodology using a new shipborne radiometer tests the quality of SST maps more rigorously than was previously possible. It provides the first traceable validation of data from the UK's AATSR sensor, confirming their fundamental reliability for observing climate change.
Space weather can adversely affect the performance of many communication and navigation systems. Research into space weather events and their mapping through our Multi-Instrument Data Analysis System (MIDAS) algorithms have highlighted the vulnerability of Global Satellite Navigation Systems (including GPS). The impact of our research has occurred in three main ways. Firstly, it has impacted on the global satellite and communications industry by enabling space-weather effects to be included in a sophisticated commercial GPS simulator. Secondly, it has impacted on UK government [text removed for publication]. Thirdly, it has engaged and informed the public about GPS and space weather.
Research conducted within the Department of Space and Climate Physics at UCL has had a significant impact upon e2v Ltd., a manufacturer of charge-coupled devices (CCDs). Through working collaboratively with e2v, UCL has helped the company to secure major contracts and business [text removed for publication]. This includes two contracts for the supply of CCDs for the European Space Agency (ESA) missions Gaia (€20 million) and Euclid (€10 million). Furthermore, the symbiotic relationship has contributed to the establishment of e2v as Europe's leading supplier of high-quality CCDs for space science applications and has underpinned an improved understanding of device design and optimisation within the company.
The ash cloud from the eruption of Iceland's Eyjafjallajökull volcano in 2010 caused the cancellation of over 100,000 flights and cost an estimated £3 billion. The much larger eruption of Grimsvötn (also in Iceland) the following year caused only 900 flights to be cancelled and its economic cost was around one per cent of that associated with the Eyjafjallajökull eruption. A key factor in this huge reduction was the improved understanding of ash clouds provided by researchers at the University of Bristol. Drawing on research conducted over two decades and immediately after the Eyjafjallajökull eruption, the Bristol team were able to inform and advise airlines and major decision-makers such as the Civil Aviation Authority, the UK Government and the European Space Agency. The input has since had a beneficial impact around the globe and has directly affected decisions and research strategies made by the Met Office and Rolls-Royce regarding operational developments associated with volcanic ash monitoring and forecasting.
Starting in 2001, researchers from the Unit undertook a retrospective analysis of data from the Great Storm of October 1987 which led to them identifying and understanding a region of extremely strong winds within some storms. They termed these winds a "sting jet". In collaboration with the Met Office, the researchers developed ways to identify sting jets in current and imminent weather and, later, methods to forecast these extremely damaging events up to a several days in advance. These techniques are now used in the UK National Severe Weather Warning Service (NSWWS) and in European storm forecasts. Since the development of this new early warning capability, events have been too few to compile proper statistics; however, there is general agreement amongst the emergency services, local government officials and insurers that the improved warnings of extreme winds have saved lives, minimised disruption and generated considerable cost savings.