Don Swanson: A field volcanology career worth celebrating

Don Swanson has profoundly influenced generations of volcanologists and has made major contributions to our understanding of both silicic and basaltic volcanic systems. He provides an exceptional example of how a gifted scientist can develop entirely new paradigms related to large-scale problems on the basis of decades of study, as exemplified by his work on the emplacement of flood basalts, monitoring and forecasting volcanic eruptions, the development of lava flows and domes, and the explosive nature of Kīlauea Volcano. Don has maintained exceptional productivity even while playing major leadership and management roles in science, and his research is intrinsically geological and rooted in painstaking fieldwork that is both collaborative and interdisciplinary.

This volume recognizes Don’s career accomplishments by emphasizing his careful approach to volcanology and highlighting meticulous field observations as the basis for better understanding how volcanoes work.