Alaska Volcano Observatory
Find U.S. Volcano
The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) is a joint program of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Geophysical Institute of the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAFGI), and the State of Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys (ADGGS). The primary AVO website is run by ADGGS.
Most U.S. Volcanoes Are in Alaska
Alaska contains over 130 volcanoes and volcanic fields that 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). There is usually one or more volcanoes erupting in Alaska.
Volcanic Ash is Primary Hazard
The most significant – and common – hazards from Alaska volcanoes are those created by ash clouds and ashfall. Alaska’s volcanoes are distributed under Pacific great circle aircraft routes (traversed by more than 50,000 people per day), and can erupt ash clouds into commercial and recreational airspace.