Can earthquakes trigger volcanic eruptions?
Sometimes, yes. A few large regional earthquakes (greater than magnitude 6) are considered to be related to a subsequent eruption or to some type of unrest at a nearby volcano. However, volcanoes can only be triggered into eruption by nearby tectonic earthquakes if they are already poised to erupt. This requires two conditions to be met:
- Enough "eruptible" magma within the volcanic system.
- Significant pressure within the magma storage region.
If those conditions exist, it's possible that large tectonic earthquakes might cause dissolved gases to come out of the magma (like a shaken soda bottle), increasing the pressure and possibly leading to an eruption.
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Which volcanic eruptions were the deadliest?
Deadliest Volcanic Eruptions Since 1500 A.D. Eruption Year Casualties Major Cause Nevado del Ruiz, Colombia 1985 25,000 1,3 Mudflows 3 Mont Pelée, Martinique 1902 30,000 1 (29,025) 2 Pyroclastic flows 2 Krakatau, Indonesia 1883 36,000 1 (36,417) 2 Tsunami 2 Tambora, Indonesia 1815 92,000 1,2 Starvation 2 Unzendake, Japan 1792 15,000 1 (14,030) 2...
What was the largest volcanic eruption in the 20th century?
The world's largest eruption of the 20th century occurred in 1912 at Novarupta on the Alaska Peninsula. An estimated 15 cubic kilometers of magma was explosively erupted during 60 hours beginning on June 6th. This volume is equivalent to 230 years of eruption at Kilauea (Hawaii) or about 30 times the volume erupted by Mount St. Helens (Washington...
Will extinct volcanoes on the east coast of the U.S. erupt again?
No. The geologic forces that generated volcanoes in the eastern United States millions of years ago no longer exist. Through plate tectonics, the eastern U.S. has been isolated from the global tectonic features (tectonic plate boundaries and hot spots in the mantle), that cause volcanic activity. So new volcanic activity is not possible now or in...
Where does the United States rank in the number of volcanoes?
The United States ranks third, behind Indonesia and Japan, in the number of historically active volcanoes (that is, those for which we have written accounts of eruptions). In addition, about 10 percent of the more than 1,500 volcanoes that have erupted in the past 10,000 years are located in the United States. Most of these volcanoes are found in...
Where is the largest active volcano in the world?
Rising gradually to more than 4 km (2.5 mi) above sea level, Hawaii’s Mauna Loa is the largest active volcano on our planet. Its submarine flanks descend to the sea floor an additional 5 km (3 mi), and the sea floor in turn is depressed by Mauna Loa's great mass another 8 km (5 mi). This makes the volcano's summit about 17 km (10.5 mi) above its...
Which volcanoes in the conterminous United States have erupted since the Nation was founded?
Excluding steam eruptions, these volcanoes have shown activity: Mount St. Helens, Washington - Eruptions and/or lava dome growth occurred in the late 1700s, 1800-1857, 1980-1986, and 2004-2007. Lassen Peak, California - A series of steam blasts began on May 30, 1914. An eruption occurred 12 months later on May 21, 1915. Minor activity continued...
What was the most destructive volcanic eruption in the history of the United States?
The May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens (Washington) was the most destructive in the history of the United States. Novarupta (Katmai) Volcano in Alaska erupted considerably more material in 1912, but owing to the isolation and sparse population of the region, there were no human deaths and little property damage. In contrast, the eruption of...
What is the "Ring of Fire"?
Most earthquakes and volcanic eruptions do not strike randomly but occur in specific areas, such as along plate boundaries. One such area is the circum-Pacific Ring of Fire , where the Pacific Plate meets many surrounding tectonic plates. The Ring of Fire is the most seismically and volcanically active zone in the world. Learn more: U.S. Volcanoes...
What is the difference between "magma" and "lava"?
Scientists use the term magma for molten rock that is underground and lava for molten rock that breaks through the Earth's surface.
What kind of school training do you need to become a volcanologist?
There are many paths to becoming a volcanologist. Most include a college or graduate school education in a scientific or technical field, but the range of specialties is very large. Training in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, biology, biochemistry, mathematics, statistics, engineering, atmospheric science, remote sensing, and related fields can...
How much of the Earth is volcanic?
More than 80 percent of the Earth's surface--above and below sea level--is of volcanic origin. Gaseous emissions from volcanic vents over hundreds of millions of years formed the Earth's earliest oceans and atmosphere, which supplied the ingredients vital to evolve and sustain life. Over geologic eons, countless volcanic eruptions have produced...
What are some examples of supervolcanoes?
Volcanoes that have produced exceedingly voluminous pyroclastic eruptions and formed large calderas in the past 2 million years include Yellowstone, Long Valley in eastern California, Toba in Indonesia, and Taupo in New Zealand. Other 'supervolcanoes' would likely include the large caldera volcanoes of Japan, Indonesia, Alaska (e.g. Aniakchak,...
Year Published: 2018
2018 update to the U.S. Geological Survey national volcanic threat assessment
When erupting, all volcanoes pose a degree of risk to people and infrastructure, however, the risks are not equivalent from one volcano to another because of differences in eruptive style and geographic location. Assessing the relative threats posed by U.S. volcanoes identifies which volcanoes warrant the greatest risk-mitigation efforts by the U....
Ewert, John W.; Diefenbach, Angela K.; Ramsey, David W.Attribution: Mapping, Remote Sensing, and Geospatial Data, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Natural Hazards, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, United States of America, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Arizona Water Science Center, Water Resources, , Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, United States of America, Gulf of Mexico, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, , United States of America, Wildland Fire Science, Oregon Water Science Center, Water Resources, Oregon Water Science Center, Water Resources, Natural Hazards, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Water Resources, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, United States of America, Texas Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 6: Arkansas-Rio Grande-Texas-Gulf, California Water Science Center, Water Resources, Utah Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, New Mexico Water Science Center, Water Resources, Toxic Substances Hydrology Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, United States of America, Wildland Fire Science, Astrogeology Science Center, Natural Hazards, , , Biology and Ecosystems, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, California, United States of America, Water Resources, Washington Water Science Center, Water Resources, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Science and Decisions Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Water, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Water Resources, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), United States of America, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, United States of America, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Water Resources, Minerals, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Ecosystems, Science and Decisions Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS), Oceans, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Natural Hazards, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, United States of America, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Dakota Water Science Center, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Eastern Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Ecosystems, Northwest - Pacific Islands, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, , Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, Land Change Science Program, United States of America, Natural Hazards, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Natural Hazards, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, United States of America, Earthquake Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK), Ecosystems, Land Change Science Program, United States of America, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Water Resources, United States of America, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Water Resources, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, California Water Science Center, Water Resources, Environmental Health, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Water Resources, Toxic Substances Hydrology Program, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Illinois, United States of America, Environmental Health, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Water Resources, Toxic Substances Hydrology Program, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Illinois, United States of America, Water Resources, California Water Science Center, Water Resources, Pennsylvania Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Ecosystems, Northwest - Pacific Islands, Environmental Health, Water Resources, Toxic Substances Hydrology Program, United States of America, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, Land Change Science Program, United States of America, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, Core Science Systems, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Central Midwest Water Science Center, Alaska Climate Adaptation Science Center, Land Resources, Region 11: Alaska, United States of America, Wildland Fire Science, Alaska Climate Adaptation Science Center, Land Resources, Region 11: Alaska, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK), Ecosystems, , Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Ecosystems, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Ecosystems, Natural Hazards, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Natural Hazards, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, United States of America, , Volcano Hazards Program Office, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Ecosystems, California Water Science Center, Water Resources, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, United States of America, Remote Sensing Phenology, New York Water Science Center, Water Resources, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Biology and Ecosystems, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, United States of America, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Cooperative Research Units, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Land Change Science Program, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, United States of America, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Cooperative Research Units, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Water Resources, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Natural Hazards, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Natural Hazards, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, California, United States of America, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, Wildland Fire Science, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, , United States of America, Wildland Fire Science, Natural Hazards, Biology and Ecosystems, National Wildlife Health Center, Ecosystems, Fish & Wildlife Disease, United States of America, Natural Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Landslide Hazards Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, California Water Science Center, Water Resources, Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK), Ecosystems, , Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Ecosystems, United States of America, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, United States of America, Wildland Fire Science, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, United States of America, Molecular Ecology Laboratory, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, , Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Cooperative Research Units, Water Resources, Water Resources, New York Water Science Center, Water Resources, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Biology and Ecosystems, Idaho Water Science Center, Ecosystems, Science and Decisions Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Washington Water Science Center, Water Resources, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, United States of America, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Biology and Ecosystems, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, Washington, United States of America, Biology and Ecosystems, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, United States of America, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Ecosystems, Northwest - Pacific Islands, Leetown Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Water Resources, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, Astrogeology Science Center, Natural Hazards, , , Central Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Ecosystems, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Land Change Science Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, Wildland Fire Science, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Land Change Science Program, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, United States of America, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK), Ecosystems, Land Change Science Program, United States of America, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK), Ecosystems, Land Change Science Program, United States of America, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Biology and Ecosystems, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, California, United States of America, , Volcano Hazards Program Office
View Citation
Ewert, J.W., Diefenbach, A.K., and Ramsey, D.W., 2018, 2018 update to the U.S. Geological Survey national volcanic threat assessment: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2018–5140, 40 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ sir20185140.
Year Published: 2016
U.S. Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program—Assess, forecast, prepare, engage
At least 170 volcanoes in 12 States and 2 territories have erupted in the past 12,000 years and have the potential to erupt again. Consequences of eruptions from U.S. volcanoes can extend far beyond the volcano’s immediate area. Many aspects of our daily life are vulnerable to volcano hazards, ...
Stovall, Wendy K.; Wilkins, Aleeza M.; Mandeville, Charles W.; Driedger, Carolyn L.Attribution: Natural Hazards, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, Land Change Science Program, United States of America, Land Use Land Cover Modeling, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, United States of America, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK), Ecosystems, , Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Environmental Health, Contaminant Biology Program, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, United States of America, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, Natural Hazards, New Mexico Water Science Center, Water Resources, Landslide Hazards Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, California Water Science Center, Water Resources, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Water Resources, Water, Colorado Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Colorado, United States of America, Land Resources, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, Land Resources, Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Land Resources, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, Land Resources, Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Land Resources, Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center, Land Resources, Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Kansas Water Science Center, Water Resources, , Water, Colorado Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Colorado, United States of America, Region 11: Alaska, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, , Energy and Minerals, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Eastern Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, , United States of America, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, , United States of America, , Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, Land Change Science Program, United States of America, Natural Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Landslide Hazards Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, California, United States of America, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, , United States of America, Biology and Ecosystems, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Wildlife Program, United States of America, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Natural Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Landslide Hazards Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Sweden, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Florence Bascom Geoscience Center, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Land Resources, Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Land Resources, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Land Change Science Program, United States of America, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Georgia, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Land Resources, Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Eastern Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, , United States of America, Pacific Islands Water Science Center, Water Resources, Northwest - Pacific Islands, Hawaii, United States of America, Arizona Water Science Center, Water Resources, , United States of America, National Wildlife Health Center, Ecosystems, , Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Water, Colorado Water Science Center, Water Resources, California, United States of America, Reston Biogeochemical Processes in Groundwater Laboratory, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, , Volcano Hazards Program Office, Energy & Wildlife, United States of America, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Natural Hazards, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), New York, United States of America, Hurricane Sandy, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, , Biology and Ecosystems, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, United States of America, Biology and Ecosystems, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, United States of America, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, Astrogeology Science Center, Natural Hazards, , , St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), United States of America, Gulf of Mexico, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Ecosystems, , Water Resources, , Eastern Geographic Science Center, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, United States of America, Cooperative Research Units, New England Water Science Center, Water Resources, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, United States of America, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center, Region 11: Alaska, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Cooperative Research Units, Cooperative Research Units, Earthquake Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Cooperative Research Units, , Energy and Minerals, Science and Decisions Center, Central Midwest Water Science Center, Environmental Health, Toxic Substances Hydrology Program, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Cooperative Research Units, Geology, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Alaska, United States of America, , Volcano Hazards Program Office, Earthquake Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Natural Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Landslide Hazards Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Ecosystems, Cooperative Research Units, Cooperative Research Units, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Cooperative Research Units, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, United States of America, Water Resources, , Natural Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Landslide Hazards Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Colorado, United States of America, Cooperative Research Units, Earthquake Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Natural Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Australia, Leetown Science Center, Environmental Health, Contaminant Biology Program, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, United States of America, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Ecosystems, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Ecosystems, Cooperative Research Units, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Cooperative Research Units, Cooperative Research Units, Community for Data Integration (CDI), United States of America, , , Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Idaho Water Science Center, Water Resources, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Astrogeology Science Center, Natural Hazards, , , Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Mineral Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, , Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Ecosystems, Northwest - Pacific Islands, Nevada Water Science Center, Water Resources, United States of America, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Astrogeology Science Center, Natural Hazards, , , St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Volcano Hazards Program Office, United States of America, Leetown Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, , Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Water Resources, , United States of America, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, California Water Science Center, Water Resources, Earthquake Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Biology and Ecosystems, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK), Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, , United States of America, California Water Science Center, Water Resources, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK), Ecosystems, , Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, Astrogeology Science Center, Natural Hazards, , , Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Water Resources, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Status and Trends Program, United States of America, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, Idaho Water Science Center, Water Resources, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Biology and Ecosystems, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, California, United States of America, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Environmental Health, Contaminant Biology Program, United States of America, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Earthquake Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, United States of America, Salton Sea, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, Sage-grouse & Sagebrush Ecosystem, United States of America, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Land Change Science Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Biology and Ecosystems, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, United States of America, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, Biology and Ecosystems, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, United States of America, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Hurricane Sandy, Water Resources, , San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Estuary, New England Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Florida, Biology and Ecosystems, Western Fisheries Research Center, Water Resources, Fisheries Program, California, United States of America, New York Water Science Center, Water Resources, United States of America, Utah Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center, Water Resources, , Cooperative Research Units, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, United States of America, Cooperative Research Units, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Estuary, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Cooperative Research Units, Cooperative Research Units, Kansas Water Science Center, Water Resources, , Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center, Water Resources, United States of America, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, Region 11: Alaska, United States of America, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center, Region 11: Alaska, Kansas Water Science Center, Water Resources, , Western Geographic Science Center, Land Change Science Program, United States of America, Biology and Ecosystems, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, United States of America, Biology and Ecosystems, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, United States of America, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Water Resources, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Georgia, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Water, Colorado Water Science Center, Water Resources, Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, Advanced Research Computing (ARC), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, National Wildlife Health Center, Ecosystems, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Water Resources, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), South Carolina, Ecosystems, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, Land Resources, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Ecosystems, Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Ecosystems, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, , Energy and Minerals, Science and Decisions Center, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, , Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center, Land Resources, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, , Energy and Minerals, Science and Decisions Center, , Volcano Hazards Program Office, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, National Water Quality Program, , Volcano Hazards Program Office
View Citation
Stovall, W.K., Wilkins, A.M., Mandeville, C.W., and Driedger, C.L., 2016, U.S. Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program—Assess, forecast, prepare, engage: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2016–3040, 4 p., http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/fs20163040.
Year Published: 2012
The Novarupta-Katmai eruption of 1912 - largest eruption of the twentieth century; centennial perspectives
The explosive outburst at Novarupta (Alaska) in June 1912 was the 20th century's most voluminous volcanic eruption. Marking its centennial, we illustrate and document the complex eruptive sequence, which was long misattributed to nearby Mount Katmai, and how its deposits have provided key insights about volcanic and magmatic processes. It was one...
Hildreth, Wes; Fierstein, JudyView Citation
The Novarupta-Katmai eruption of 1912 - largest eruption of the twentieth century; centennial perspectives; 2012; PP; 1791; Hildreth, Wes; Fierstein, Judy
Year Published: 2008
Eruptions in the Cascade Range during the past 4,000 years
Volcanoes have been erupting in the Cascade Range for over 500,000 years. During the past 4,000 years eruptions have occurred at an average rate of about 2 per century. This chart shows 13 volcanoes on a map of Washington, Oregon, and northern California and time lines for each showing the ages of their eruptions.
Myers, Bobbie; Driedger, Carolyn L.Attribution: Natural Hazards, Volcano Hazards Program Office
View Citation
Eruptions in the Cascade Range During the Past 4,000 Years; 2008; GIP; 63; Myers, Bobbie; Driedger, Carolyn
Year Published: 2006
Volcano Hazards - A National Threat
When the violent energy of a volcano is unleashed, the results are often catastrophic. The risks to life, property, and infrastructure from volcanoes are escalating as more and more people live, work, play, and travel in volcanic regions. Since 1980, 45 eruptions and 15 cases of notable volcanic unrest have occurred at 33 U.S. volcanoes. Lava...
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Volcano Hazards - A National Threat; 2006; FS; 2006-3014; USGS Science Helps Build Safer Communities; U.S. Geological Survey
Date published: January 23, 2012
A 100-year-long History of Earthquakes and Seismic Monitoring in Hawaii
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s 1912–2012 Centennial—100 Years of Tracking Eruptions and Earthquakes
HAWAI‘I ISLAND, Hawaii —The history of earthquakes and seismic monitoring in Hawai‘i during the past century will be the topic of a presentation at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo on Thursday, January 26, at 7:00 p.m.
June 25, 2018
Kīlauea Volcano — Sunrise Over Lava Channel
Early morning view of the open lava channel during helicopter overflight of the lower East Rift Zone.
June 22, 2018
Kīlauea Volcano — Fissure 8 Lava Fountain
Lava continues to erupt at a high rate from
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June 13, 2018
Kīlauea Volcano — UAS Survey of Halema‘uma‘u Crater Rim
A UAS mission on June 13, 2018, filmed details of the dramatic changes occurring within Halema‘uma‘u crater at Kīlauea's summit since explosive eruptions of
August 3, 2016
LANDSAT Mosaic of Kilauea and Mauna Loa Volcanoes on Hawaii
Landsat Mosaic of Kilauea and Mauna Loa Volcanoes on Hawaii.
July 29, 2016
Chaitén Volcano in Chile
On May 2, 2008, Chaitén volcano in Chile erupted with an ash column that rose to about 17 km and lasted for 6 hours. Photograph Credit: Jeff Marso, USGS
January 20, 2014
Lava Lake Spattering at Halema'uma'u Crater
21 January 2014 Lava Lake Spattering at Halema'uma'u Crater The lava lake in the Overlook crater, within Halema'uma'u Crater at Kilauea's summit, undergoes frequent periods of spattering. The spattering is normally at the lake margins, and the surface crust often flows towards, and is consumed at, the spattering source. Large bubbles bursting at the surface drive the
January 24, 2006
A gas plume arising from Augustine Volcano during it's eruptive phase 2005-06.
A gas plume arising from Augustine Volcano during it's eruptive phase 2005-06. This photo was taken during a FLIR/maintenance flight on January 24, 2006.
Attribution: Natural Hazards, Region 11: Alaska