Steaming Pavlof volcano and Pavlof Sister as viewed from the west shore of Unga Island, Alaska. View is to the west.
Where can I find information about volcanoes in Alaska?
Alaska contains over 130 volcanoes and volcanic fields which have been active within the last two million years. Of these volcanoes more than 50 have been active within historical time (since about 1760, for Alaska).
Visit the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) for information on Alaska Volcanoes. The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) covers volcanoes in Alaska from offices in Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska, and is a cooperative program of the U.S. Geological Survey, the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, and the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys.
Social media options include the USGS Volcanoes on Twitter
Related Content
How many volcanoes are in Alaska?
Alaska contains over 130 volcanoes and volcanic fields which have been active within the last two million years. Of these volcanoes, about 90 have been active within the last 10,000 years (and might be expected to erupt again), and more than 50 have been active within historical time (since about 1760, for Alaska). These volcanoes are catalogued on the Alaska Volcano Observatory Map & Alphabetical...
How often do Alaskan volcanoes erupt?
Alaskan volcanoes have produced one or two eruptions per year since 1900. At least 20 catastrophic caldera -forming eruptions have occurred in the past 10,000 years; the awesome eruption of 1912 at Novarupta in what is now Katmai National Park and Preserve is the most recent. Scientists are particularly concerned about the volcanoes whose eruptions can affect the Cook Inlet region, where 60...
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 in what is now Katmai National Park and Preserve. 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)...
Steaming Pavlof volcano and Pavlof Sister as viewed from the west shore of Unga Island, Alaska. View is to the west.
-- a Centennial perspective of the Novarupta-Katmai eruption, the largest of the 20th century
By Judy Fierstein, USGS
-- a Centennial perspective of the Novarupta-Katmai eruption, the largest of the 20th century
By Judy Fierstein, USGS
Bill Burton discusses the June 6-8, 1912 eruption of Mount Katmai in Alaska which was 30 times larger than the eruption of Mt. St. Helens in 1980. This eruption caused widespread devastation, and inspired heroic efforts at survival by the local people.
Bill Burton discusses the June 6-8, 1912 eruption of Mount Katmai in Alaska which was 30 times larger than the eruption of Mt. St. Helens in 1980. This eruption caused widespread devastation, and inspired heroic efforts at survival by the local people.
USGS technologist Rick LaHusen describes how the development and deployment of instruments plays a crucial role in mitigating volcanic hazards.
USGS technologist Rick LaHusen describes how the development and deployment of instruments plays a crucial role in mitigating volcanic hazards.
-- the contrasting stories of two recent spectacular eruptions
by Stephanie Prejean, USGS Alaska Volcano Observatory
-- the contrasting stories of two recent spectacular eruptions
by Stephanie Prejean, USGS Alaska Volcano Observatory
Great Earthquakes, Great Waves, and Great Volcanic Explosions!
by Steve Kirby, Geophsicist, and Dave Scholl, Scientist Emeritus
Great Earthquakes, Great Waves, and Great Volcanic Explosions!
by Steve Kirby, Geophsicist, and Dave Scholl, Scientist Emeritus
Shishaldin Volcano at sunset. Shishaldin is on Unimak Island, part of Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska.
Shishaldin Volcano at sunset. Shishaldin is on Unimak Island, part of Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska.
This photos was staged to simulate how scientists monitor data.
This photos was staged to simulate how scientists monitor data.
Redoubt volcano with minor ash eruption. Photograph taken during observation and gas data collection flight by AVO staff March 30, 2009.
Redoubt volcano with minor ash eruption. Photograph taken during observation and gas data collection flight by AVO staff March 30, 2009.
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.
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.
Augustine volcano viewed from the west.
Augustine volcano viewed from the west.
Roiling eruption column rising from Crater Peak vent of Mt. Spurr volcano. View from the south.
Roiling eruption column rising from Crater Peak vent of Mt. Spurr volcano. View from the south.
View southeast from Overlook Cabin looking over the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. The pyroclastic and ash deposits that fill the valley remain nearly vegetation-free more than 100 years after the 1912 Novarupta-Katmai eruption.
View southeast from Overlook Cabin looking over the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. The pyroclastic and ash deposits that fill the valley remain nearly vegetation-free more than 100 years after the 1912 Novarupta-Katmai eruption.
Ascending eruption cloud from Redoubt Volcano as viewed to the west from the Kenai Peninsula. The mushroom-shaped plume rose from avalanches of hot debris (pyroclastic flows) that cascaded down the north flank of the volcano. A smaller, white steam plume rises from the summit crater.
Ascending eruption cloud from Redoubt Volcano as viewed to the west from the Kenai Peninsula. The mushroom-shaped plume rose from avalanches of hot debris (pyroclastic flows) that cascaded down the north flank of the volcano. A smaller, white steam plume rises from the summit crater.
2018 Volcanic activity in Alaska—Summary of events and response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory
Alaska Volcano Observatory archive of seismic drum records of eruptions of Augustine Volcano (1986), Redoubt Volcano (1989–90), Mount Spurr (1992), and Pavlof Volcano (1996), and the 1996 earthquake swarm at Akutan Peak
2017 Volcanic activity in Alaska—Summary of events and response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory
2016 Volcanic activity in Alaska—Summary of events and response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory
A unified catalog of earthquake hypocenters and magnitudes at volcanoes in Alaska—1989 to 2018
Living with volcano hazards
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.S. Geological Survey and its partners. This update
U.S. Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program—Assess, forecast, prepare, engage
The Novarupta-Katmai eruption of 1912 - largest eruption of the twentieth century; centennial perspectives
Alaska volcanoes guidebook for teachers
Airborne volcanic ash; a global threat to aviation
Volcanoes of the Wrangell Mountains and Cook Inlet region, Alaska: selected photographs
Related Content
- FAQ
How many volcanoes are in Alaska?
Alaska contains over 130 volcanoes and volcanic fields which have been active within the last two million years. Of these volcanoes, about 90 have been active within the last 10,000 years (and might be expected to erupt again), and more than 50 have been active within historical time (since about 1760, for Alaska). These volcanoes are catalogued on the Alaska Volcano Observatory Map & Alphabetical...
How often do Alaskan volcanoes erupt?
Alaskan volcanoes have produced one or two eruptions per year since 1900. At least 20 catastrophic caldera -forming eruptions have occurred in the past 10,000 years; the awesome eruption of 1912 at Novarupta in what is now Katmai National Park and Preserve is the most recent. Scientists are particularly concerned about the volcanoes whose eruptions can affect the Cook Inlet region, where 60...
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 in what is now Katmai National Park and Preserve. 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)...
- Multimedia
Steaming Pavlof volcano and Pavlof Sister as viewed from the west s...Steaming Pavlof volcano and Pavlof Sister as viewed from the west s...
Steaming Pavlof volcano and Pavlof Sister as viewed from the west shore of Unga Island, Alaska. View is to the west.
Steaming Pavlof volcano and Pavlof Sister as viewed from the west shore of Unga Island, Alaska. View is to the west.
PubTalk 6/2012 — Exploring The Valley of Ten Thousand SmokesPubTalk 6/2012 — Exploring The Valley of Ten Thousand SmokesPubTalk 6/2012 — Exploring The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes-- a Centennial perspective of the Novarupta-Katmai eruption, the largest of the 20th century
By Judy Fierstein, USGS
-- a Centennial perspective of the Novarupta-Katmai eruption, the largest of the 20th century
By Judy Fierstein, USGS
The 20th Century's Greatest Volcanic Eruption- Mt Katmai 100 Years LaterBill Burton discusses the June 6-8, 1912 eruption of Mount Katmai in Alaska which was 30 times larger than the eruption of Mt. St. Helens in 1980. This eruption caused widespread devastation, and inspired heroic efforts at survival by the local people.
Bill Burton discusses the June 6-8, 1912 eruption of Mount Katmai in Alaska which was 30 times larger than the eruption of Mt. St. Helens in 1980. This eruption caused widespread devastation, and inspired heroic efforts at survival by the local people.
Volcano Web Shorts 4 - InstrumentsUSGS technologist Rick LaHusen describes how the development and deployment of instruments plays a crucial role in mitigating volcanic hazards.
USGS technologist Rick LaHusen describes how the development and deployment of instruments plays a crucial role in mitigating volcanic hazards.
PubTalk 12/2010 — Forecasting Volcanic Eruptions in AlaskaPubTalk 12/2010 — Forecasting Volcanic Eruptions in AlaskaPubTalk 12/2010 — Forecasting Volcanic Eruptions in Alaska-- the contrasting stories of two recent spectacular eruptions
by Stephanie Prejean, USGS Alaska Volcano Observatory
-- the contrasting stories of two recent spectacular eruptions
by Stephanie Prejean, USGS Alaska Volcano Observatory
PubTalk 11/2009 — Geohazards in the Aleutian IslandsPubTalk 11/2009 — Geohazards in the Aleutian IslandsPubTalk 11/2009 — Geohazards in the Aleutian IslandsGreat Earthquakes, Great Waves, and Great Volcanic Explosions!
by Steve Kirby, Geophsicist, and Dave Scholl, Scientist Emeritus
Great Earthquakes, Great Waves, and Great Volcanic Explosions!
by Steve Kirby, Geophsicist, and Dave Scholl, Scientist Emeritus
Shishaldin Volcano at SunsetShishaldin Volcano at sunset. Shishaldin is on Unimak Island, part of Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska.
Shishaldin Volcano at sunset. Shishaldin is on Unimak Island, part of Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska.
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 with minor ash eruption. Photograph taken during o...Redoubt volcano with minor ash eruption. Photograph taken during o...Redoubt volcano with minor ash eruption. Photograph taken during observation and gas data collection flight by AVO staff March 30, 2009.
Redoubt volcano with minor ash eruption. Photograph taken during observation and gas data collection flight by AVO staff March 30, 2009.
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.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.
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.
Augustine VolcanoAugustine volcano viewed from the west.
Augustine volcano viewed from the west.
Mt. Spurr, Crater PeakRoiling eruption column rising from Crater Peak vent of Mt. Spurr volcano. View from the south.
Roiling eruption column rising from Crater Peak vent of Mt. Spurr volcano. View from the south.
Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, AlaskaView southeast from Overlook Cabin looking over the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. The pyroclastic and ash deposits that fill the valley remain nearly vegetation-free more than 100 years after the 1912 Novarupta-Katmai eruption.
View southeast from Overlook Cabin looking over the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. The pyroclastic and ash deposits that fill the valley remain nearly vegetation-free more than 100 years after the 1912 Novarupta-Katmai eruption.
Redoubt VolcanoAscending eruption cloud from Redoubt Volcano as viewed to the west from the Kenai Peninsula. The mushroom-shaped plume rose from avalanches of hot debris (pyroclastic flows) that cascaded down the north flank of the volcano. A smaller, white steam plume rises from the summit crater.
Ascending eruption cloud from Redoubt Volcano as viewed to the west from the Kenai Peninsula. The mushroom-shaped plume rose from avalanches of hot debris (pyroclastic flows) that cascaded down the north flank of the volcano. A smaller, white steam plume rises from the summit crater.
- Publications
Filter Total Items: 14
2018 Volcanic activity in Alaska—Summary of events and response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory
The Alaska Volcano Observatory responded to eruptions, considerable and minor volcanic unrest, and seismic events at 15 volcanic centers in Alaska during 2018. The most notable volcanic activity came from Mount Cleveland, which had continuing intermittent dome growth and ash eruptions, and Mount Veniaminof, Great Sitkin Volcano, and Semisopochnoi Island, the three of which had minor eruptions. ThiAuthorsCheryl E. Cameron, Tim R. Orr, James P. Dixon, Hannah R. Dietterich, Christopher F. Waythomas, Alexandra M. Iezzi, John A. Power, Cheryl Searcy, Ronni Grapenthin, Gabrielle Tepp, Kristi L. Wallace, Taryn M. Lopez, Kimberly Degrandpre, John M. PerreaultAlaska Volcano Observatory archive of seismic drum records of eruptions of Augustine Volcano (1986), Redoubt Volcano (1989–90), Mount Spurr (1992), and Pavlof Volcano (1996), and the 1996 earthquake swarm at Akutan Peak
The advent of continuous digital recording of seismograph stations in Alaska did not occur until the fall of 2002. Continuous records of seismic waveforms prior to 2002 were recorded only in analog form. The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) has a substantial archive of continuous analog records made on helicorders in a collection maintained by the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical InstituAuthorsJames P. Dixon, John A. Power2017 Volcanic activity in Alaska—Summary of events and response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory
The Alaska Volcano Observatory responded to eruptions, significant and minor volcanic unrest, and seismic events at 16 volcanic centers in Alaska during 2017. The most notable volcanic activity consisted of a major eruption at Bogoslof Island, continuing intermittent dome growth and ash eruptions from Mount Cleveland, the end of the Pavlof Volcano eruption, volcanic unrest at Shishaldin Volcano, aAuthorsJames P. Dixon, Cheryl E. Cameron, Alexandra M. Iezzi, John A. Power, Kristi L. Wallace, Christopher F. Waythomas2016 Volcanic activity in Alaska—Summary of events and response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory
The Alaska Volcano Observatory responded to eruptions, volcanic unrest or suspected unrest, and seismic events at 15 volcanic centers in Alaska during 2016. The most notable volcanic activity consisted of eruptions at Pavlof and Bogoslof volcanoes. Both eruptions produced significant ash clouds that affected regional air travel. Mount Cleveland continued a pattern of dome growth followed by explosAuthorsCheryl E. Cameron, James P. Dixon, Christopher F. Waythomas, Alexandra M. Iezzi, Kristi L. Wallace, Robert G. McGimsey, Katharine F. BullA unified catalog of earthquake hypocenters and magnitudes at volcanoes in Alaska—1989 to 2018
The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) has maintained an earthquake catalog since 1989 that now contains over 120,000 hypocenters and magnitudes that occurred near Alaskan volcanoes. Since 1989 the seismic instrumentation and data acquisition and processing techniques have undergone numerous changes as computer systems and seismic processing software have advanced and evolved. In this report we recaAuthorsJohn Power, Paul A. Friberg, Matthew M. Haney, Thomas Parker, Scott D. Stihler, James P. DixonLiving with volcano hazards
Volcanic eruptions are among Earth’s most dramatic and powerful agents of change. Ash, mudflows, and lava flows can devastate communities near volcanoes and cause havoc in areas far downwind, downstream, and downslope. Even when a volcano is quiet, steep volcanic slopes can collapse to become landslides, and large rocks can be hurled by powerful steam blasts. Hazardous volcanic conditions might laAuthorsWendy K. Stovall, Carolyn L. Driedger, Elizabeth G. Westby, Lisa M. Faust2018 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.S. Geological Survey and its partners. This update
AuthorsJohn W. Ewert, Angela K. Diefenbach, David W. RamseyByVolcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center, Agrigan, Ahyi Seamount, Alamagan, Anatahan, Asuncion, Belknap, Black Butte Crater Lava Field, Black Rock Desert Volcanic Field, Blue Lake Crater, Carrizozo Lava Flow, Cascade Range Weekly Update, Cinnamon Butte, Clear Lake Volcanic Field, Coso Volcanic Field, Crater Lake, Craters of the Moon Volcanic Field, Daikoku Seamount , Davis Lake Volcanic Field, Devils Garden Lava Field, Diamond Craters Volcanic Field, Dotsero Volcanic Center, East Diamante, Esmeralda Bank, Farallon de Pajaros, Fukujin Seamount , Glacier Peak, Guguan, Haleakalā, Hell's Half Acre Lava Field, Hualālai, Indian Heaven Volcanic Field, Jordan Craters Volcanic Field, Kama‘ehuakanaloa, Kasuga 2, Kīlauea, Lassen Volcanic Center, Long Valley Caldera, Mammoth Mountain, Markagunt Plateau Volcanic Field, Maug Islands, Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, Medicine Lake, Mono Lake Volcanic Field, Mono-Inyo Craters, Mount Adams, Mount Bachelor, Mount Baker, Mount Hood, Mount Jefferson, Mount Rainier, Mount Shasta, Mount St. Helens, Newberry, Ofu-Olosega, Pagan, Red Hill-Quemado Volcanic Field, Ruby, Salton Buttes, San Francisco Volcanic Field, Sand Mountain Volcanic Field, Sarigan, Soda Lakes, South Sarigan Seamount, Supply Reef, Ta'u Island, Three Sisters, Tutuila Island, Ubehebe Craters, Uinkaret Volcanic Field, Valles Caldera, Wapi Lava Field, Weekly Update, West Crater Volcanic Field, Yellowstone, Zealandia Bank, Zuni-Bandera Volcanic FieldU.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, including air travel, regional power generation and transmission infrastructure, interstate transportatioAuthorsWendy K. Stovall, Aleeza M. Wilkins, Charlie Mandeville, Carolyn L. DriedgerThe 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 of the few historical eruptions to produce a collapAuthorsWes Hildreth, Judy FiersteinAlaska volcanoes guidebook for teachers
Alaska’s volcanoes, like its abundant glaciers, charismatic wildlife, and wild expanses inspire and ignite scientific curiosity and generate an ever-growing source of questions for students in Alaska and throughout the world. Alaska is home to more than 140 volcanoes, which have been active over the last 2 million years. About 90 of these volcanoes have been active within the last 10,000 years andAuthorsJennifer N. AdlemanAirborne volcanic ash; a global threat to aviation
The world's busy air traffic corridors pass over or downwind of hundreds of volcanoes capable of hazardous explosive eruptions. The risk to aviation from volcanic activity is significant - in the United States alone, aircraft carry about 300,000 passengers and hundreds of millions of dollars of cargo near active volcanoes each day. Costly disruption of flight operations in Europe and North AmericaAuthorsChristina A. Neal, Marianne C. GuffantiVolcanoes of the Wrangell Mountains and Cook Inlet region, Alaska: selected photographs
Alaska is home to more than 40 active volcanoes, many of which have erupted violently and repeatedly in the last 200 years. This CD-ROM contains 97 digitized color 35-mm images which represent a small fraction of thousands of photographs taken by Alaska Volcano Observatory scientists, other researchers, and private citizens. The photographs were selected to portray Alaska's volcanoes, to documentAuthorsChristina A. Neal, Robert G. McGimsey, Michael F. Diggles - News