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Geology of Triton Geology of Triton

Triton, with a diameter of ≡2700 km, is Neptune's only planet-class satellite. The complexity of Triton's surface and the variety of surface features is unequaled among the satellites of the solar system. From a geologic viewpoint, some of Triton's features have apparently familiar morphologies and general interpretative agreement exists. However, many of its landforms have novel...
Authors
S.K. Croft, J.S. Kargel, Randolph L. Kirk, J. M. Moore, P.M. Schenk, R.G. Strom

Triton's plumes: Discovery, characteristics, and models Triton's plumes: Discovery, characteristics, and models

This chapter presents (1) basic observations and characteristics of Triton's plumes (scale, geometry, optical properties, and temporal behavior); (2) the current best estimates of other parameters that can be derived directly or inferred from the observations (plume duration, wind velocities, particle properties, mass fluxes, energy requirements, and total erupted mass); and (3) a...
Authors
Randolph L. Kirk, Laurence A. Soderblom, R. H. Brown, S. W. Kieffer, J.S. Kargel

History and hazards of Mount Rainier, Washington History and hazards of Mount Rainier, Washington

Mount Rainier is an active volcano that first erupted about half a million years ago. Because of Rainier's great height (14,410 feet above sea level) and northerly location, glaciers have cut deeply into its lavas, making it appear deceptively older than it actually is. Mount Rainier is known to have erupted as recently as in the 1840s, and large eruptions took place as recently as about...
Authors
Thomas W. Sisson

Building safer structures Building safer structures

In this century, major earthquakes in the United States have damaged or destroyed numerous buildings, bridges, and other structures. By monitoring how structures respond to earthquakes and applying the knowledge gained, scientists and engineers are improving the ability of structures to survive major earthquakes. Many lives and millions of dollars have already been saved by this ongoing...
Authors
Mehmet S’elebi, Robert A. Page, Linda Seekins

The USGS/OFDA Volcano Disaster Assistance Program The USGS/OFDA Volcano Disaster Assistance Program

An erupting volcano is one of nature's truly spectacular sights. From a distance, or perhaps through the cameras of the news media, we often observe roiling mushroom clouds of ash or flows of incandescent lava issuing from the volcano's throat. If, however, you happen to live near that erupting volcano, your life or livelihood may be endangered and your property at risk of destruction a...
Authors
J.W. Ewert, C.D. Miller

Pulling the rug out from under California: Seismic images of the Mendocino Triple Junction region Pulling the rug out from under California: Seismic images of the Mendocino Triple Junction region

The active tectonic regime of northwestern California changes abruptly from transform motion to subduction at the Mendocino Triple Junction. Northward migration of the triple junction has been a major factor in the tectonic history of the continental margin of California since the Oligocene and continues at present. Understanding the effects of triple junction migration on the structure...
Authors
Anne M. Trehu

Frequent outburst floods from South Tahoma Glacier, Mount Rainier, USA: Relation to debris flows, meteorological origin, and implications for subglacial hydrology Frequent outburst floods from South Tahoma Glacier, Mount Rainier, USA: Relation to debris flows, meteorological origin, and implications for subglacial hydrology

Destructive debris flows occur frequently at glacierized Mount Rainier volcano, Washington, U.S.A. Twenty-three such flows have occurred in the Tahoma Creek valley since 1967. Hydrologic and geomorphic evidence indicate that all or nearly all of these flows began as outburst floods from South Tahoma Glacier. Flood waters are stored subglacially. The volume of stored water discharged...
Authors
J. S. Walder, C. L. Driedger
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