Abstract

The eruption of the Mexican volcano El Chichon (17.33°N, 93.20°W) on March 28, April 3, and April 4, 1982 injected particulate and gaseous matter into the stratosphere. This volcanic cloud ranked as one of the most massive of this century. DeLuisi et al, (1983) reported that "the atmospheric radiative effects of the El Chichon cloud far exceed the effects of all other volcanic clouds observed at Mauna Loa since observations were began in 1958". Very large optical depths were reported for this volcanic cloud in the northern tropics during the first few months since its formation.

© 1985 Optical Society of America