ALICEnet (Automated LIdar-CEilometer network) is an operational network of Automated Lidar-Ceilometers (ALC) managed by Italian Research Institutions aimed at improving and promoting the multidisciplinary use of environmental data.
Ceilometers (or nephohypsometers), generally consisting of a laser that emits short but powerful pulses in a vertical direction, are instruments used to characterize the vertical visibility of the atmosphere. Although best known for their use in airport and heliport operations, ceilometers are also used in meteorology for planetary boundary layer (PBL) research and air quality applications.
In particular, they allow us to obtain the following information:

  • Dispersion height of air pollutants;
  • Distribution of atmospheric particulates as a function of time and altitude;
  • Presence and concentration of Saharan dust, fire smoke and volcanic ash;
  • Cloud height;
  • Rain;
  • Fog level.

The information reported above is particularly useful for characterizing the activity of the Sicilian volcanic areas (Etna and Stromboli), as well as for relating the presence of atmospheric particulate matter to the nucleation of hydrometeors.

In this context, ALICEnet provides near real-time aerosol and cloud profiles from several ALCs located across Italy, including one located in Messina. 

The LIDAR located in Messina detected the volcanic ash released into the atmosphere during the paroxysmal event of the Stromboli volcano, recorded on the afternoon of 3 July 2019, 2.45pm UTC (4.45pm local time). On this occasion, two strong eruptions of Stromboli released a column of ash, gas and lapilli into the atmosphere up to an altitude of approximately 5-6 km. The cloud emitted immediately began to disperse, first towards the north-west, then, in the evening, it returned towards Sicily. By July 4th the cloud was widespread over eastern Sicily, Calabria and Basilicata.

To consult the information you can connect to the site https://www.alice-net.eu/

To obtain numerical data or further information, contact the project office at the following address: alicenet@isac.cnr.it