2003 volcanic activity in Alaska and Kamchatka: Summary of events and response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory

The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) monitors the more than 40 historically active volcanoes of the Aleutian Arc. Of these, 24 were considered monitored in real time with short-period seismic instrument networks as of the end of 2003. The AVO core monitoring program also includes daily analysis of satellite imagery, observation over flights, and compilation of pilot reports and reports from local residents and mariners. In 2003, AVO responded to eruptive activity or suspected volcanic activity at or near 10 volcanic centers: Wrangell, Redoubt, Iliamna, Augustine, Mageik, Veniaminof, Pavlof, Emmons Lake (Hague), Shishaldin, and Akutan volcanoes.

In addition to responding to eruptive activity at Alaska volcanoes, AVO assisted in the dissemination of information for the Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) about the 2003 activity of 6 Russian volcanoes: Sheveluch, Klyuchevskoy, Bezymianny, Karymsky, Alaid, and Chikurachki volcanoes. Due to prevailing wind directions, erupting Kamchatkan, Kurile Island, and Alaskan volcanoes pose a serious potential threat to aircraft in the North Pacific.