The VAAH core program aims to support State Volcano Observatories (SVOs) in fulfilling ICAO requirements and recommendations. The program facilitates discussion on IAVW responsibilities and keeps SVOs informed about ICAO updates, including advancements and changes to the IAVW handbook and VONA structure.
State Volcano Observatories and their roles:
State Volcano Observatories (SVOs) are the primary entities responsible for monitoring active volcanoes and providing timely, critical warnings to the aviation sector regarding volcanic ash and gas hazards. Their responsibilities, generally outlined within the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) framework’s International Airways Volcano Watch (IAVW), include:
- Continuous Surveillance: generally SVOs maintain 24/7 monitoring of active or potentially active volcanoes using a variety of tools, including seismometers, GPS, tiltmeters, ground and satellite-based gas detectors, and webcams, to detect signs of unrest or eruption.
- Issuing Warnings: generally they issue a formal Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA) to their associated Area Control Center/Flight Information Centre, Meteorological Watch Office, and Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) when a significant change in volcanic activity is detected or an eruption begins.
- Operating the Aviation Colour Code (ACC): generally SVOs use a standardized, four-tiered colour code system (Green, Yellow, Orange, Red) to succinctly describe the volcano’s status and the associated threat of ash emission to the aviation community.
- Providing Eruption Details: When an eruption occurs, SVOs provide crucial details, such as the estimated height and movement of the ash plume, which are essential for the VAACs to create accurate dispersion forecasts and for air traffic management to reroute flights.
- Collaboration and Information Sharing: generally SVOs work closely with national and international partners, including civil aviation authorities, air traffic services, and VAACs, to ensure consistent and rapid dissemination of information and to participate in international exercises (e.g., VOLCEX) to test and refine response plans.
Ultimately, the SVO’s role is to ensure the aviation community has the necessary information to avoid hazardous volcanic ash encounters, thus safeguarding aircraft and passengers and minimizing operational disruptions
Contact: Sara Barsotti (Iceland)