Observation of the Pinatubo Volcanic Cloud by Lidar Network in Japan

Abstract

The latitudinal and vertical distribution of stratospheric aerosols injected by eruptions of Mt. Pinatubo on June 15, 1991 was obtained in Japan by a lidar network extending from Naha (26.2°N) to Wakkanai (45.4°N). Results from June to October 1991 are reported. An increase of aerosols originating from the Pinatubo eruptions was observed first on June 28, 1991, at approximately 16km. The layer was observed continuously since then. The upper layer, above 20km, was observed first on July 15, thereafter it disappeared at all stations, but reappeared on August 6. The upper layer was sporadic, and not observed in July over Nagano, some 200km from Tsukuba, where it was observed. This indicates the non-uniform density of the cloud in the upper region.