Lidar and SAGE II observations of Shishaldin volcano aerosols and lower stratospheric transport

Abstract

During May 1999, data collected with two of University of L'Aquila lidar systems, Italy show an increase in the stratospheric aerosol content at altitudes between 15 and 18 km. Our initial hypothesis is that these aerosols originated from the Shishaldin (Alaska) volcanic eruption of 19 April 1999. SAGE II observations, taken between Julian day 100 and 180, at latitudes above 40°N, show several sightings that are good candidates for volcanic aerosols. A trajectory analysis shows that a few SAGE II measurements are in space and time compatible with the Shishaldin eruption, and the aerosol enhancements observed by L'Aquila lidars have been also sampled by SAGE II, later and in different locations.