Ground-Based Remote Sensing and Uncertainty Analysis of the Mass Eruption Rate Associated With the 3–5 December 2015 Paroxysms of Mt. Etna

During explosive eruptions, the real-time estimation of mass eruption rate (MER) is challenging although crucial to mitigate impact erupted tephra. Microwave radar techniques at L- and/or X-bands, as well thermal infrared imagery, can provide a reliable MER in real time. Using lava fountains 3–5 December 2015 Mt. Etna (Italy) test cases, we investigate differences amongall these remote sensing methods and introduce new approach, called near source approach (NSA) using only X-band data. We also extend volcanic advanced retrieval methodology estimate gas-tephra mixture density crater. The analysis uncertainty carried out comparing NSA with continuity (MCA), top plume (TPA) surface flux (SFA), already used other events. allows us identify optimal strategy, showing potential limitations each method. show that MCA method, entirely based on data processing, best strategy percentage 22.3%, whereas approaches exhibit higher (26.4% for NSA, 30% TPA, 31.6% SFA).