Hazard Assessments

Explore the geology, tectonics, and hazards of Western California's volcanic fields in a new interactive geonarrative website.

Geologists create hazard maps to convey the types of hazards that may occur during future eruptions and to identify the areas of potential impact. Specific hazards to people and property depend on eruption style, the volume of lava erupted, the location of the eruptive vent, the eruption duration, and local hydrologic conditions. As geologic research progresses, these maps are updated and created.

A geonarrative summary of a USGS report that provides a broad perspective on California’s exposure to volcanic hazards. By integrating volcanic hazard information with geospatial data on populations, infrastructure, and resources, the results provide estimates of impacts to people and our environment if an eruption were to occur.