At the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory Electronics Lab, technicians build, test, and prepare scientific instruments to be deployed for monitoring volcanoes worldwide.
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 be applied to the study of volcanoes and the interactions between volcanoes and the environment. The key ingredients are a strong fascination and boundless curiosity about volcanoes and how they work. From there, the possibilities are almost endless!
Learn more: Information About Volcanologists
Related Content
I am not a citizen of the United States. Can I apply for jobs in the USGS?
As a United States federal agency, the USGS is not permitted to hire non-U.S. citizens except in very rare circumstances. USGS positions are advertised at USAJOBS .
Where can I find information on employment with the USGS?
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) is a Federal science agency in the U.S. Department of the Interior that provides impartial information on the health of our ecosystems and environment, the natural hazards that threaten us, the natural resources we rely on, the impacts of climate and land-use change, and the core science systems that help us provide timely, relevant, and useable...
Is it dangerous to work on volcanoes? What precautions do scientists take?
Volcanoes are inherently beautiful places where forces of nature combine to produce awesome events and spectacular landscapes. For volcanologists, they're FUN to work on! Safety is, however, always the primary concern because volcanoes can be dangerous places. USGS scientists try hard to understand the risk inherent in any situation, then train and equip themselves with the tools and support...
How are volcanic gases measured?
Instruments to measure sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide can be mounted in aircraft to determine the quantity of gas being emitted on a daily basis. Such instruments can also be used in a ground-based mode. An instrument that detects carbon dioxide can be installed on a volcano and configured to send data continuously via radio to an observatory. Sulfur dioxide in volcanic clouds can also be...
How can we tell when a volcano will erupt?
Most volcanoes provide warnings before an eruption. Magmatic eruptions involve the rise of magma toward the surface, which normally generates detectable earthquakes. It can also deform the ground surface and cause anomalous heat flow or changes in the temperature and chemistry of the groundwater and spring waters. Steam-blast eruptions, however, can occur with little or no warning as superheated...
Why is it important to monitor volcanoes?
There are 161 potentially active volcanoes in the United States. According to a 2018 USGS assessment , 57 volcanoes are a high threat or very high threat to public safety. Many of these volcanoes have erupted in the recent past and will erupt again in the foreseeable future. As populations increase, areas near volcanoes are being developed and aviation routes are increasing. As a result, more...
Lava sampling: Why do we do it?
Hot lava samples provide important information about what's going on in a volcano's magma chambers. We know from laboratory experiments that the more magnesium there is in magma, the hotter it is. Chemical analysis, therefore, provides the means not only to determine the crystallization history of lava but also to establish the temperature at which it was erupted. For example, Kilauea's 1997 lavas...
Filter Total Items: 23
Cascades Volcano Observatory Electronics Lab
At the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory Electronics Lab, technicians build, test, and prepare scientific instruments to be deployed for monitoring volcanoes worldwide.
Collecting Gas Sample at a Fumarole
USGS geologist Deborah Bergfeld collects a gas sample from a superheated (hotter than the boiling point) fumarole in Little Hot Springs Valley at Lassen Volcanic National Park.
USGS geologist Deborah Bergfeld collects a gas sample from a superheated (hotter than the boiling point) fumarole in Little Hot Springs Valley at Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Hawaiʻi Hot Lava
After slowly moving downslope from Kīlauea Volcano’s East Rift Zone since June 27, 2014, this active lava flow in Hawaiʻi reached the town of Pāhoa just before Halloween, destroying roads, a cemetery, and private property in this community.
After slowly moving downslope from Kīlauea Volcano’s East Rift Zone since June 27, 2014, this active lava flow in Hawaiʻi reached the town of Pāhoa just before Halloween, destroying roads, a cemetery, and private property in this community.
Sampling fumarole
USGS scientist Deborah Bergfeld collects a gas sample from a fumarole on the flank of Akutan Volcano, Akutan Island, Alaska.
USGS scientist Deborah Bergfeld collects a gas sample from a fumarole on the flank of Akutan Volcano, Akutan Island, Alaska.
Scientists Check for Volcanic Activity
Four scientists are busy reviewing seismic data, checking maps, and uploading activity updates in the USGS Volcano Hazards Program's Volcano Observatory operations room from the Menlo Park, California USGS campus.
Four scientists are busy reviewing seismic data, checking maps, and uploading activity updates in the USGS Volcano Hazards Program's Volcano Observatory operations room from the Menlo Park, California USGS campus.
Monitoring Gas Emissions from Kilauea Volcano
Sulfur dioxide gas emissions from the crater of Pu‘u ‘Ō ‘ō on Kīlauea’s east rift zone and the vent within Halema‘uma‘u Crater at Kīlauea’s summit create volcanic pollution that affects the air quality of downwind communities. Here, a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory gas geochemist measures Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō gas emissions using an instrument that detects ga
Sulfur dioxide gas emissions from the crater of Pu‘u ‘Ō ‘ō on Kīlauea’s east rift zone and the vent within Halema‘uma‘u Crater at Kīlauea’s summit create volcanic pollution that affects the air quality of downwind communities. Here, a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory gas geochemist measures Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō gas emissions using an instrument that detects ga
Examining 2008 Eruption of Okmok Volcano in Alaska
Professor Michael Ort (Northern Arizona University) and graduate student Joel Unema examine deposits from the 2008 eruption of Okmok volcano in Alaska as part of their research to reconstruct the complex history of the eruption. Dr.
Professor Michael Ort (Northern Arizona University) and graduate student Joel Unema examine deposits from the 2008 eruption of Okmok volcano in Alaska as part of their research to reconstruct the complex history of the eruption. Dr.
Taking Lava Samples
Geologist taking a sample from a recently formed skylight on the Quarry flow lava tube. Samples collected directly from the lava tube are usually the best samples for chemical analysis.
Geologist taking a sample from a recently formed skylight on the Quarry flow lava tube. Samples collected directly from the lava tube are usually the best samples for chemical analysis.
Lava Sampling: Thermal and Non-Thermal
This image shows an HVO geologist sampling the lava that was seeping out of the interior of the rootless shield. The lava was placed in a bucket of water to quench the sample. The top frame is a normal photograph, while the bottom frame is a thermal image taken within a fraction of a second of the photograph.
This image shows an HVO geologist sampling the lava that was seeping out of the interior of the rootless shield. The lava was placed in a bucket of water to quench the sample. The top frame is a normal photograph, while the bottom frame is a thermal image taken within a fraction of a second of the photograph.
Mount St. Helens: May 18, 1980
USGS scientists recount their experiences before, during and after the May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. Loss of their colleague David A. Johnston and 56 others in the eruption cast a pall over one of the most dramatic geologic moments in American history.
USGS scientists recount their experiences before, during and after the May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. Loss of their colleague David A. Johnston and 56 others in the eruption cast a pall over one of the most dramatic geologic moments in American history.
Mount St. Helens: A Catalyst for Change
The May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens triggered a growth in volcano science and volcano monitoring. Five USGS volcano observatories have been established since the eruption. With new technologies and improved awareness of volcanic hazards USGS scientists are helping save lives and property across the planet.
The May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens triggered a growth in volcano science and volcano monitoring. Five USGS volcano observatories have been established since the eruption. With new technologies and improved awareness of volcanic hazards USGS scientists are helping save lives and property across the planet.
Geologists on Volcano
Two HVO geologists are standing on the east rim of Pu`u `Ō `ō cone, triangulating the depth of several degassing vents inside the crater. An infrared camera is being used to see the vents through the fume. The plume in the background is coming from the east wall vent.
Two HVO geologists are standing on the east rim of Pu`u `Ō `ō cone, triangulating the depth of several degassing vents inside the crater. An infrared camera is being used to see the vents through the fume. The plume in the background is coming from the east wall vent.
Scientist Captures thermal images of the Redoubt Lava Dome from Helicopter.
Kate Bull using a FLIR camera out the open door of an A-Star helicopter with the Redoubt summit and lava dome visible.
Kate Bull using a FLIR camera out the open door of an A-Star helicopter with the Redoubt summit and lava dome visible.
Alaska Volcano Observatory Monitoring Room
This photos was staged to simulate how scientists monitor data.
This photos was staged to simulate how scientists monitor data.
Redoubt Volcano Observation Flight
USGS scientist Heather Bleick prepares documentation equipment for a flight over Redoubt Volcano.
USGS scientist Heather Bleick prepares documentation equipment for a flight over Redoubt Volcano.
Mount St. Helens 2004-2008 Eruption: A Volcano Reawakens
Mount St. Helens reawakened in late September 2004. Small magnitude earthquakes beneath the 1980-1986 lava dome increased in frequency and size, and a growing welt formed on the southeast margin of the previous lava dome and nearby portions of Crater Glacier.
Mount St. Helens reawakened in late September 2004. Small magnitude earthquakes beneath the 1980-1986 lava dome increased in frequency and size, and a growing welt formed on the southeast margin of the previous lava dome and nearby portions of Crater Glacier.
Scientist Examines Lava Samples
USGS scientist Cynthia Gardner examines fresh rock samples from the new growth on Mount St. Helens' dome,
USGS scientist Cynthia Gardner examines fresh rock samples from the new growth on Mount St. Helens' dome,
Measuring a Superheated Fumarole
USGS geochemist Bill Evans measures the temperature of a superheated (hotter than the boiling point) fumarole in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
USGS geochemist Bill Evans measures the temperature of a superheated (hotter than the boiling point) fumarole in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Sampling a Fumarole
USGS geochemist Cathy Janik (left) and Iceland Geosurvey chemist Jón Örn Bjarnason (right) collect a gas sample from a fumarole in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
USGS geochemist Cathy Janik (left) and Iceland Geosurvey chemist Jón Örn Bjarnason (right) collect a gas sample from a fumarole in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Gas Sampling around the Mount St. Helens Dome
USGS geologists gathered samples by hand from vents on the dome and crater floor. Additionally, sulfur dioxide gas was measured from a specially equipped airplane before, during, and after eruptions to determine "emission rates" for the volcano.
USGS geologists gathered samples by hand from vents on the dome and crater floor. Additionally, sulfur dioxide gas was measured from a specially equipped airplane before, during, and after eruptions to determine "emission rates" for the volcano.
ARRA-funded Student Sampling Gas at Augustine Volcano
ARRA-funded student Taryn Lopez (Univ. Alaska-Fairbanks) sampling gas emissions at fumarole next to dome at the summit of Augustine volcano.
ARRA-funded student Taryn Lopez (Univ. Alaska-Fairbanks) sampling gas emissions at fumarole next to dome at the summit of Augustine volcano.
Related Content
- FAQ
I am not a citizen of the United States. Can I apply for jobs in the USGS?
As a United States federal agency, the USGS is not permitted to hire non-U.S. citizens except in very rare circumstances. USGS positions are advertised at USAJOBS .
Where can I find information on employment with the USGS?
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) is a Federal science agency in the U.S. Department of the Interior that provides impartial information on the health of our ecosystems and environment, the natural hazards that threaten us, the natural resources we rely on, the impacts of climate and land-use change, and the core science systems that help us provide timely, relevant, and useable...
Is it dangerous to work on volcanoes? What precautions do scientists take?
Volcanoes are inherently beautiful places where forces of nature combine to produce awesome events and spectacular landscapes. For volcanologists, they're FUN to work on! Safety is, however, always the primary concern because volcanoes can be dangerous places. USGS scientists try hard to understand the risk inherent in any situation, then train and equip themselves with the tools and support...
How are volcanic gases measured?
Instruments to measure sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide can be mounted in aircraft to determine the quantity of gas being emitted on a daily basis. Such instruments can also be used in a ground-based mode. An instrument that detects carbon dioxide can be installed on a volcano and configured to send data continuously via radio to an observatory. Sulfur dioxide in volcanic clouds can also be...
How can we tell when a volcano will erupt?
Most volcanoes provide warnings before an eruption. Magmatic eruptions involve the rise of magma toward the surface, which normally generates detectable earthquakes. It can also deform the ground surface and cause anomalous heat flow or changes in the temperature and chemistry of the groundwater and spring waters. Steam-blast eruptions, however, can occur with little or no warning as superheated...
Why is it important to monitor volcanoes?
There are 161 potentially active volcanoes in the United States. According to a 2018 USGS assessment , 57 volcanoes are a high threat or very high threat to public safety. Many of these volcanoes have erupted in the recent past and will erupt again in the foreseeable future. As populations increase, areas near volcanoes are being developed and aviation routes are increasing. As a result, more...
Lava sampling: Why do we do it?
Hot lava samples provide important information about what's going on in a volcano's magma chambers. We know from laboratory experiments that the more magnesium there is in magma, the hotter it is. Chemical analysis, therefore, provides the means not only to determine the crystallization history of lava but also to establish the temperature at which it was erupted. For example, Kilauea's 1997 lavas...
- Multimedia
Filter Total Items: 23
Cascades Volcano Observatory Electronics Lab
At the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory Electronics Lab, technicians build, test, and prepare scientific instruments to be deployed for monitoring volcanoes worldwide.
At the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory Electronics Lab, technicians build, test, and prepare scientific instruments to be deployed for monitoring volcanoes worldwide.
Collecting Gas Sample at a FumaroleUSGS geologist Deborah Bergfeld collects a gas sample from a superheated (hotter than the boiling point) fumarole in Little Hot Springs Valley at Lassen Volcanic National Park.
USGS geologist Deborah Bergfeld collects a gas sample from a superheated (hotter than the boiling point) fumarole in Little Hot Springs Valley at Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Hawaiʻi Hot LavaAfter slowly moving downslope from Kīlauea Volcano’s East Rift Zone since June 27, 2014, this active lava flow in Hawaiʻi reached the town of Pāhoa just before Halloween, destroying roads, a cemetery, and private property in this community.
After slowly moving downslope from Kīlauea Volcano’s East Rift Zone since June 27, 2014, this active lava flow in Hawaiʻi reached the town of Pāhoa just before Halloween, destroying roads, a cemetery, and private property in this community.
Sampling fumaroleUSGS scientist Deborah Bergfeld collects a gas sample from a fumarole on the flank of Akutan Volcano, Akutan Island, Alaska.
USGS scientist Deborah Bergfeld collects a gas sample from a fumarole on the flank of Akutan Volcano, Akutan Island, Alaska.
Scientists Check for Volcanic ActivityFour scientists are busy reviewing seismic data, checking maps, and uploading activity updates in the USGS Volcano Hazards Program's Volcano Observatory operations room from the Menlo Park, California USGS campus.
Four scientists are busy reviewing seismic data, checking maps, and uploading activity updates in the USGS Volcano Hazards Program's Volcano Observatory operations room from the Menlo Park, California USGS campus.
Monitoring Gas Emissions from Kilauea VolcanoSulfur dioxide gas emissions from the crater of Pu‘u ‘Ō ‘ō on Kīlauea’s east rift zone and the vent within Halema‘uma‘u Crater at Kīlauea’s summit create volcanic pollution that affects the air quality of downwind communities. Here, a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory gas geochemist measures Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō gas emissions using an instrument that detects ga
Sulfur dioxide gas emissions from the crater of Pu‘u ‘Ō ‘ō on Kīlauea’s east rift zone and the vent within Halema‘uma‘u Crater at Kīlauea’s summit create volcanic pollution that affects the air quality of downwind communities. Here, a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory gas geochemist measures Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō gas emissions using an instrument that detects ga
Examining 2008 Eruption of Okmok Volcano in AlaskaProfessor Michael Ort (Northern Arizona University) and graduate student Joel Unema examine deposits from the 2008 eruption of Okmok volcano in Alaska as part of their research to reconstruct the complex history of the eruption. Dr.
Professor Michael Ort (Northern Arizona University) and graduate student Joel Unema examine deposits from the 2008 eruption of Okmok volcano in Alaska as part of their research to reconstruct the complex history of the eruption. Dr.
Taking Lava SamplesGeologist taking a sample from a recently formed skylight on the Quarry flow lava tube. Samples collected directly from the lava tube are usually the best samples for chemical analysis.
Geologist taking a sample from a recently formed skylight on the Quarry flow lava tube. Samples collected directly from the lava tube are usually the best samples for chemical analysis.
Lava Sampling: Thermal and Non-ThermalThis image shows an HVO geologist sampling the lava that was seeping out of the interior of the rootless shield. The lava was placed in a bucket of water to quench the sample. The top frame is a normal photograph, while the bottom frame is a thermal image taken within a fraction of a second of the photograph.
This image shows an HVO geologist sampling the lava that was seeping out of the interior of the rootless shield. The lava was placed in a bucket of water to quench the sample. The top frame is a normal photograph, while the bottom frame is a thermal image taken within a fraction of a second of the photograph.
Mount St. Helens: May 18, 1980USGS scientists recount their experiences before, during and after the May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. Loss of their colleague David A. Johnston and 56 others in the eruption cast a pall over one of the most dramatic geologic moments in American history.
USGS scientists recount their experiences before, during and after the May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. Loss of their colleague David A. Johnston and 56 others in the eruption cast a pall over one of the most dramatic geologic moments in American history.
Mount St. Helens: A Catalyst for ChangeThe May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens triggered a growth in volcano science and volcano monitoring. Five USGS volcano observatories have been established since the eruption. With new technologies and improved awareness of volcanic hazards USGS scientists are helping save lives and property across the planet.
The May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens triggered a growth in volcano science and volcano monitoring. Five USGS volcano observatories have been established since the eruption. With new technologies and improved awareness of volcanic hazards USGS scientists are helping save lives and property across the planet.
Geologists on VolcanoTwo HVO geologists are standing on the east rim of Pu`u `Ō `ō cone, triangulating the depth of several degassing vents inside the crater. An infrared camera is being used to see the vents through the fume. The plume in the background is coming from the east wall vent.
Two HVO geologists are standing on the east rim of Pu`u `Ō `ō cone, triangulating the depth of several degassing vents inside the crater. An infrared camera is being used to see the vents through the fume. The plume in the background is coming from the east wall vent.
Scientist Captures thermal images of the Redoubt Lava Dome from Helicopter.Kate Bull using a FLIR camera out the open door of an A-Star helicopter with the Redoubt summit and lava dome visible.
Kate Bull using a FLIR camera out the open door of an A-Star helicopter with the Redoubt summit and lava dome visible.
Alaska Volcano Observatory Monitoring RoomThis photos was staged to simulate how scientists monitor data.
This photos was staged to simulate how scientists monitor data.
Redoubt Volcano Observation FlightUSGS scientist Heather Bleick prepares documentation equipment for a flight over Redoubt Volcano.
USGS scientist Heather Bleick prepares documentation equipment for a flight over Redoubt Volcano.
Mount St. Helens 2004-2008 Eruption: A Volcano ReawakensMount St. Helens reawakened in late September 2004. Small magnitude earthquakes beneath the 1980-1986 lava dome increased in frequency and size, and a growing welt formed on the southeast margin of the previous lava dome and nearby portions of Crater Glacier.
Mount St. Helens reawakened in late September 2004. Small magnitude earthquakes beneath the 1980-1986 lava dome increased in frequency and size, and a growing welt formed on the southeast margin of the previous lava dome and nearby portions of Crater Glacier.
Scientist Examines Lava SamplesUSGS scientist Cynthia Gardner examines fresh rock samples from the new growth on Mount St. Helens' dome,
USGS scientist Cynthia Gardner examines fresh rock samples from the new growth on Mount St. Helens' dome,
Measuring a Superheated FumaroleUSGS geochemist Bill Evans measures the temperature of a superheated (hotter than the boiling point) fumarole in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
USGS geochemist Bill Evans measures the temperature of a superheated (hotter than the boiling point) fumarole in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Sampling a FumaroleUSGS geochemist Cathy Janik (left) and Iceland Geosurvey chemist Jón Örn Bjarnason (right) collect a gas sample from a fumarole in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
USGS geochemist Cathy Janik (left) and Iceland Geosurvey chemist Jón Örn Bjarnason (right) collect a gas sample from a fumarole in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Gas Sampling around the Mount St. Helens DomeUSGS geologists gathered samples by hand from vents on the dome and crater floor. Additionally, sulfur dioxide gas was measured from a specially equipped airplane before, during, and after eruptions to determine "emission rates" for the volcano.
USGS geologists gathered samples by hand from vents on the dome and crater floor. Additionally, sulfur dioxide gas was measured from a specially equipped airplane before, during, and after eruptions to determine "emission rates" for the volcano.
ARRA-funded Student Sampling Gas at Augustine VolcanoARRA-funded student Taryn Lopez (Univ. Alaska-Fairbanks) sampling gas emissions at fumarole next to dome at the summit of Augustine volcano.
ARRA-funded student Taryn Lopez (Univ. Alaska-Fairbanks) sampling gas emissions at fumarole next to dome at the summit of Augustine volcano.
- Publications
- News