Volcanic ash laser

A cutting-edge laser system to give early warning of volcanic ash in the sky is set to be built in Lewis.

In 2010, a contaminated cloud from the eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano in Iceland paralysed the skies across Europe creating chaos for thousands of travellers, costing airlines an estimated £1 billion.

The Met Office plans to install the new hi-tech equipment at its present weather laser site on common grazings at Bayble in Point, Lewis. The present low-powered beam is used to measure clouds.

The risk of injury from the new high energy laser to people in aircraft flying over the site is minimal says the Met Office.

Hi-tech sky laser to track volcanic ash

6 June 2015

It said prolonged exposure to people in very close proximity to the equipment may be hazardous but it is unlikely anyone would be so close to the laser for a lengthy period. in any case the site will have a high secure fence, warning beacon and hazard signs.

The laser would be one of ten light detection and ranging systems (Lidars) around the UK.

The £3 million network is specifically designed to sense atmospheric particles.

Aviation Minister Robert Goodwill said: "The 2010 volcanic ash cloud led to flights being grounded for days at a time, not just here in the UK but across Europe and further afield, with knock on effects on international airports around the globe. It had a significant impact on travellers, the aviation industry, and wider economy.

"This new equipment, funded by the Department of Transport, will allow the UK's Met Office to track ash clouds more easily and predict how they might spread more accurately.

"That could play a big part in minimising disruption to flights during any future incident."

Used in conjunction with data from satellites and an ash detection plane, the information will provide experts at the Met Office with the best possible picture of real-time ash distribution.