Alaska Volcano Observatory
AVO is a joint program of the U.S. Geological Survey, the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, and the State of Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys. AVO was established in 1988 to provide timely and accurate information to the public on volcanic hazards, issue warnings of impending dangerous activity, and conduct monitoring and scientific investigations to assess the nature, timing, and likelihood of volcanic activity.Abstract
AVO is a joint program of the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the Geophysical Institute of the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAFGI), and the State of Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys (ADGGS). AVO was established in 1988, and uses federal, state, and university resources to: (1) Conduct monitoring and other scientific investigations to assess the nature, timing, and likelihood of volcanic activity (2) Assess volcanic hazards associated with anticipated activity, including kinds of events, their effects, and areas at risk (3) Provide timely and accurate information on volcanic hazards, and warnings of impending dangerous activity to local, state, federal agencies and the general public. To accomplish these objectives, USGS and other Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) scientists conduct geologic, geochemical, and geophysical studies of selected Alaska volcanoes to complete modern geologic maps, volcano hazard analyses, and pursue fundamental research on volcanic processes and impacts. In addition, AVO installs geophysical monitoring equipment to track activity at high priority volcanoes in Alaska using seismic networks and satellite imagery. More detailed information about research and other activities conducted by AVO can be found on the AVO web site: http://www.avo.alaska.edu There are over 52 historically active volcanoes in Alaska, and on average, 1- 2 erupt each year. This high level of activity results in tremendous volcanologic research opportunities as well as significant challenges in hazard mitigation with implications for the state, the nation, and the international aviation community. Detection of unrest with monitoring networks and geologically-informed hazard analyses and warnings are crucial to saving lives and minimizing economic and social disruption resulting from volcanic activity. Four volcanoes are located in the Cook Inlet region, close to Alaska's greatest concentration of population and infrastructure including the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, ranked #5 in the world for cargo throughout (tonnage). Three Cook Inlet volcanoes have erupted since 1990 causing millions of dollars in damage and economic disruption. Clouds of volcanic ash from eruptions in the remote Aleutians pose a serious hazard to air traffic flying the busy North Pacific air routes between North America and Asia. Ash from an eruption of Redoubt Volcano in 1989 caused a jetliner carrying 244 people to lose power in all four engines. Gliding powerless for more than four frightening minutes, the plane fell nearly 12,000 feet to within a few thousand feet of the ground before disaster was averted when the engines were restarted and the jetliner landed safely in Anchorage.
Products
| Title | Type |
|---|---|
| Alaska Tephra Data, 2018 | Data |
| Alaska Volcano Observatory | Project Website |
Contacts
Coombs, Michelle L., 907-786-7403Status: onGoing
Start Year: 1988
End Year:
Collaborators
ADNR - Division of Geological and Geophysical SurveysUAF - Geophysical Institute
USGS Mission Area and Program
Natural Hazards → Volcano HazardsKeywords
Cryosphere > Glaciers/Ice SheetsHuman Dimensions > Natural Hazards
Solid Earth > Geochemistry
Solid Earth > Seismology
Solid Earth > Volcanoes
Solid Earth > Volcanoes > Eruption Dynamics