First testing of a volcano Doppler radar (Voldorad) at Mount Etna, Italy

A medium-power (1 kW) Doppler radar of limited weight (110 kg) and working in the UHF band has been developed for active remote sensing of volcanic er uptions. Named Voldorad, this radar is designed to monitor eruptive activit ies of variable magnitude at medium distance range (similar to 0.5-5 km), i n any weather condition, and fills the gap between low- and high-power rada r or sodar systems previously tested on volcanoes. Voldorad was operated fo r the first time during an eruption of Mt. Etna on October 11-12, 1998. Dop pler spectra recorded at 1 ion distance from the vent reveal powerful echoe s during the eruption paroxysm (lava fountains), which gradually decreased along with declining activity. An average vertical velocity of 80-87 m s(-1 ) is inferred for the eruptive jets.