Researchers develop ash forecasting system

AN advanced system for forecasting volcanic ash in Irish airspace has been developed by researchers at NUI Galway.

The forecast, offering six-day estimates for the location, size and make-up of dust clouds from Iceland, will allow potential air travellers to make informed travel decisions based on up-to-the-minute information.

“While the initial aim is not to replace the official London-based Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) for aviation decisions, it certainly provides an additional informative tool for potential air travellers,” said Prof Colin O’Dowd, director of the Centre for Climate and Air Pollution Studies at NUI Galway.