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Dataset Overview | National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)

Volcanic Ash Advisory Database, 1983-2003

browse graphicMt. St. Helens ash cloud
Volcanic ash is a significant hazard to aviation and can also affect global climate patterns. To ensure safe navigation and monitor possible climatic impact, the NOAA Satellite Services Division (SSD) tracks volcanic ash eruptions throughout the world. After an eruption, SSD issues a Volcanic Ash Advisory (VAA) message and a forecast of ash location in the atmosphere from the Volcanic Ash Forecast Transport and Dispersion (VAFTAD) model. The Volcanic Ash Advisory Database contains VAA messages, VAFTAD model output, and substantiating information from 1983 to 2003, that have been scanned into image format. The substantiating information includes surface weather observations, pilot reports, volcanic observatory reports, news media reports, and satellite imagery for each event. This database is static and is no longer being updated by NCEI.
Cite this dataset when used as a source.
  • ID not available.
gov.noaa.ngdc.mgg.hazards:G10073
Full Text · XML
Search Data
  • Volcanic Ash Advisory Database Inventory Search (search)
    Use this form to search the inventory of the volcanic ash advisory database. The Volcanic Ash Advisory Database contains VAA messages, VAFTAD model output, and substantiating information from 1983 to 2003, that have been scanned into image format. This database is static and is no longer being updated by NCEI.
Distribution Formats
  • jpeg
Distributor Hazards Data Manager
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
haz.info@noaa.gov
Dataset Point of Contact Nicolas Arcos
DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI > National Centers for Environmental Information, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
(303) 497-3158
haz.info@noaa.gov
Time Period 1983-07-18 to 2003-02-23
Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates
West: -179
East: 179
South: -79
North: 89
Spatial Coverage Map
Documentation links not available.
Publication Dates
  • publication: 2006-03-14
Data Presentation Form Digital image
Digital table - digital representation of facts or figures systematically displayed, especially in columns
Dataset Progress Status Complete - production of the data has been completed
Data Update Frequency Not planned - There are no plans to update the data in this collection.
Purpose Provides volcanic ash modelers, climate analysts, and volcanologists with web-access to volcanic ash advisory data from past eruptive events.
Use Limitations
  • Produced by the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Not subject to copyright protection within the United States.
Points of Contact
  • Nicolas Arcos
    DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI > National Centers for Environmental Information, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
Publishers
  • NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
Acknowledgments
  • Satellite Products and Services Division of the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS)
Theme keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords
  • Earth Science > Solid Earth > Volcanoes
  • Earth Science > Solid Earth > Volcanoes > Eruption Dynamics
  • Earth Science > Solid Earth > Volcanoes > Volcanic Ash/Dust
Data Center keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI > National Centers for Environmental Information, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NGDC > National Geophysical Data Center, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
Place keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords
  • Global
Project keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Project Keywords
  • ICSU-WDS > International Council for Science - World Data System
Use Constraints No constraint information available
Access Constraints
  • Distribution liability: NOAA and NCEI make no warranty, expressed or implied, regarding these data, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA and NCEI cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data. If appropriate, NCEI can only certify that the data it distributes are an authentic copy of the records that were accepted for inclusion in the NCEI archives.
Fees
  • Free on the web
Lineage information for: dataset
Lineage Statement This database was started in 2004 when Grace Swanson of the NOAA/NESDIS/Satellite Analysis Branch provided twenty years (1983 to 2003) of files containing Volcanic Ash Advisory (VAA) messages issued by the Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), Volcanic Ash Forecast Transport and Dispersion (VAFTAD) model output, and substantiating information to the National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC) for archive and distribution. The documents were scanned into image format. The scanning effort was funded through the NOAA Earth Systems Data and Information Management (ESDIM) funding program. The purpose of the project was to provide examples to meteorological offices in other countries of the volcanic ash advisory decision-making process.
Processor
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI > National Centers for Environmental Information, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
Source Datasets
Lineage information for: repository
Processing Steps
  • 2015-04-22T00:00:00 - NOAA created the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) by merging NOAA's National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC), and National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC), including the National Coastal Data Development Center (NCDDC), per the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, Public Law 113-235. NCEI launched publicly on April 22, 2015.
Last Modified: 2018-07-30
For questions about the information on this page, please email: haz.info@noaa.gov