PubTalk 12/2010 — Forecasting Volcanic Eruptions in Alaska

-- the contrasting stories of two recent spectacular eruptions

by Stephanie Prejean, USGS Alaska Volcano Observatory

• Alaskan volcanoes erupt frequently and violently. However each eruption is preceded by a unique set of geophysical precursors.
• Eruptions of Redoubt and Kasatochi volcanoes highlight the challenges of doing real-time science in remote environments
• Volcanic hazards and the impacts of eruptions vary widely, but all eruptions provide scientists with real-time, providing grounds for USGS research
• Successful response to reuptions requires an understanding of Earth physics and close cooperation between government agencies