EarthCARE Finds Volcanic Ash 200 km From Krakatau, Challenging Aviation Safety Models

ESA's EarthCARE satellite detected large volcanic ash aggregates 200 km from Anak Krakatau at about 6 km altitude on September 5, 2026. The finding challenges particle-sedimentation assumptions used in global aviation hazard models. ECMWF and University of Reading researchers are already studying the data.

• Ash detected 200 km from the source at roughly 6 km altitude
• ATLID and CPR produced a vertical cross-section of the plume
• VAAC models assume coarse ash settles out quickly
• The September 4 eruption grounded thousands of flights