Dr Matthew Watson

Research summary

My research involves inversion of remotely-sensed data to retrieve physical parameters of volcanic plumes and clouds over several spatial scales, using both ground- and satellite-based techniques. These include ultraviolet (DOAS) and thermal infrared (ASTER) gas spectroscopy, and visible, near infrared (Sun-photometers) and thermal infrared aerosol retrievals (MODIS, AIRS).

My current research includes investigation of SO­2 and SO4­2- retrievals, generation of an aerosol forward model, atmospheric correction of ash retrievals; spectrally independent calibration of SO2 retrievals using TOMS, ASTER, MODIS and AIRS, and the use of the ASTER, MODIS and AIRS in the retrieval of volcanic SO2, SO4­2-, and silicate ash ...

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Recent publications

• Naismith, A, Watson, M, Escobar-Wolf, R, Chigna, G, Thomas, H, Coppola, D & Chun, C, 2019, ‘Eruption frequency patterns through time for the current (1999–2018) activity cycle at Volcán de Fuego derived from remote sensing data: Evidence for an accelerating cycle of explosive paroxysms and potential implications of’. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research.
• Beven, KJ, Almeida, S, Aspinall, WP, Bates, PD, Blazkova, S, Borgomeo, E, Freer, J, Goda, K, Hall, JW, Phillips, JC, Simpson, M, Smith, PJ, Stephenson, DB, Wagener, T, Watson, M & Wilkins, KL, 2018, ‘Epistemic uncertainties and natural hazard risk assessment - Part 1: A review of different natural hazard areas’. Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences, vol 18., pp. 2741-2768

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View complete publications list in the University of Bristol publications system