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, AK, Watson, IM, 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 eruptive activity’. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, vol 371., pp. 206-219
• Liu, EJ, Wood, K, Mason, E, Edmonds, M, Aiuppa, A, Giudice, G, Bitetto, M, Francofonte, V, Burrow, S, Richardson, T, Watson, M, Pering, TD, Wilkes, TC, Mcgonigle, AJS, Velasquez, G, Melgarejo, C & Bucarey, C, 2019, ‘Dynamics of Outgassing and Plume Transport Revealed by Proximal Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Measurements at Volcán Villarrica, Chile’. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, vol 20., pp. 730-750

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View complete publications list in the University of Bristol publications system