Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Alexandra Iezzi, Ph.D.

My research focuses on using infrasound and seismic data to study and improve monitoring of volcanic events in the Cascades. In particular, I focus on lahar/debris flow research and the development of detection, localization, and characterization algorithms for these types of events. 

Professional Experience

  • 2022 - present: Research Geophysicist, Volcano Science Center, Cascades Volcano Observatory

  • 2020 - 2022: NSF Earth Sciences Postdoctoral Fellow, University of California Santa Barbara

  • 2015 - 2020: Graduate Research Assistant, Geophysical Institute, Alaska Volcano Observatory, University of Alaska Fairbanks

  • Summer 2019: Graduate Research Assistant, Los Alamos National Laboratory 

  • Summer 2014 & 2015: Physical Science Technician (180-day appointment), Volcano Science Center, Alaska Volcano Observatory

  • Winter 2014: Research Assistant (volunteer), Volcano Science Center, Cascades Volcano Observatory 

  • 2013 - 2015: Fluvial Studies Research Assistant, Connecticut College

Education and Certifications

  • 2020 - Ph.D. in Geophysics, University of Alaska Fairbanks

  • 2015 - B.A. in Geophysics (self-designed) with minors in Mathematics and Physics, Connecticut College

Science and Products

Swath laser, laser rangefinder, and high-precision analog laser data from gate release and natural release experiments conducted in April 2024 and October 2022, respectively, at the USGS debris-flow flume, HJ Andrews Experimental Forest, Blue River, Orego Swath laser, laser rangefinder, and high-precision analog laser data from gate release and natural release experiments conducted in April 2024 and October 2022, respectively, at the USGS debris-flow flume, HJ Andrews Experimental Forest, Blue River, Orego

The swath laser was tested at the large-scale experimental USGS debris flow flume facility as a potential tool for mass movement detection. The tests were conducted during gate release experiments, where a large volume of sediment was released from a hopper; and during natural release experiments, where a sediment prism was watered until wide-spread Coulomb failure occurred. During the...
By
Volcano Science Center

Laser Rangefinder Data for Surficial Mass Movements in the Cascades Laser Rangefinder Data for Surficial Mass Movements in the Cascades

A laser rangefinder was used to record surficial mass movements at Cascades volcanoes and an experimental debris flow flume. Mass movements such as large lahars and smaller seasonal debris flows can occur at volcanoes in the Cascades. A combination of seismic, infrasound, tripwires, and webcams can be used to detect and characterize these flows. A laser rangefinder can be placed on the...
By
Volcano Science Center
Plot showing acoustic signals over time Plot showing acoustic signals over time
May 3, 2025, bolide acoustic signal recorded by infrasound station in Yellowstone National Park
Plot showing acoustic signals over time

May 3, 2025, bolide acoustic signal recorded by infrasound station in Yellowstone National Park

May 3, 2025, bolide acoustic signal recorded by infrasound station in Yellowstone National Park

This audio clip is the infrasound recorded during 1 minute on May 3, 2025, at 9:33 p.m.

By
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Yellowstone Volcano Observatory
Plot showing acoustic signals over time

May 3, 2025, bolide acoustic signal recorded by infrasound station in Yellowstone National Park

May 3, 2025, bolide acoustic signal recorded by infrasound station in Yellowstone National Park

This audio clip is the infrasound recorded during 1 minute on May 3, 2025, at 9:33 p.m.

By
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Yellowstone Volcano Observatory
Seismic and infrasound data for the April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace at Norris Geyser Basin
Seismic and infrasound data for the April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace at Norris Geyser Basin
Seismic and infrasound data for the April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace at Norris Geyser Basin
Seismic and infrasound data for the April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace at Norris Geyser Basin

Seismic and infrasound data for the April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace at Norris Geyser Basin

Seismic and infrasound data for the April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace at Norris Geyser Basin

Seismic and infrasound data for the April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace at Norris Geyser Basin.  Top plot is seismic data from the YNM station, located at the Norris Geyser Basin Museum.  Middle plot is seismic data from station YNB, in the Ragged Hills of Norris Geyser Basin. Bottom plot is infrasound data from station YNB.&nb

By
Volcano Science Center, Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, Yellowstone
Seismic and infrasound data for the April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace at Norris Geyser Basin

Seismic and infrasound data for the April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace at Norris Geyser Basin

Seismic and infrasound data for the April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace at Norris Geyser Basin

Seismic and infrasound data for the April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace at Norris Geyser Basin.  Top plot is seismic data from the YNM station, located at the Norris Geyser Basin Museum.  Middle plot is seismic data from station YNB, in the Ragged Hills of Norris Geyser Basin. Bottom plot is infrasound data from station YNB.&nb

By
Volcano Science Center, Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, Yellowstone
Filter Total Items: 25

The first instrumentally detected hydrothermal explosion in Yellowstone National Park The first instrumentally detected hydrothermal explosion in Yellowstone National Park

Hydrothermal explosions are one of the geological hazards most likely to impact people in Yellowstone National Park, but their frequency is poorly known. Infrasound and seismic sensors identified an explosion in Norris Geyser Basin on 15 April 2024, at 14:56 MDT (20:56 UTC)—the first instrumentally detected hydrothermal explosion in the Yellowstone region. The event affected an area tens...
Authors
Michael Poland, Alexandra Iezzi, Jamie Farrell, R. Vaughan
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Volcano Hazards Program, Astrogeology Science Center, Volcano Science Center, Yellowstone Volcano Observatory

Infrasonic directivity of monopole, dipole, and bipole ground-surface reflected sources Infrasonic directivity of monopole, dipole, and bipole ground-surface reflected sources

Infrasound (acoustic waves below 20 Hz) can be used to detect, locate and quantify activity in the atmosphere such as volcanic eruptions and anthropogenic explosions. Attempts to quantify volcanic eruption parameters such as exit velocity, plume height and mass flow rate using infrasound data depend strongly on assumptions of the acoustic source type. Infrasonic sources may produce...
Authors
Alexandra Iezzi, Robin Matoza, Emma V. Opper, Keehoon Kim
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

Utility of a swath laser rangefinder for characterizing mass movement flow depth and landslide initiation Utility of a swath laser rangefinder for characterizing mass movement flow depth and landslide initiation

Mass movements such as debris flows and landslides are some of the deadliest and most destructive natural hazards occurring mostly in alpine and volcanic settings. With ever-growing populations located downslope from known debris flow channels, early warning systems can help prevent loss of life. Geophysical and technological advances have improved monitoring and detection capabilities...
Authors
Maciej Obryk, Emily Christina Bedinger, Alexandra Iezzi, Emily Bryant, Kate Allstadt, David George, Benjamin B. Mirus
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Volcano Hazards Program, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Volcano Science Center

Infrasound for volcano monitoring Infrasound for volcano monitoring

IntroductionVolcanic eruptions produce acoustic waves when volcanic gases and hot material rapidly expand in the atmosphere. Volcanic activity can produce acoustic signals with a wide range of frequencies, from very long period (>10 seconds) to audible (>20 hertz [Hz]), but the most energetic band is typically in the infrasound from 0.5 to 20 Hz. Studies of volcanic infrasound and the...
Authors
John Lyons, David Fee, Weston Thelen, Alexandra Iezzi, Aaron Wech
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

Monitoring lahars Monitoring lahars

IntroductionLahars, or debris flows that originate from a volcano (Pierson and Scott, 1985; Pierson, 1995), are among the most destructive, far-reaching, and persistent hazards on stratovolcanoes. Lahars may be triggered by syneruptive rapid melting of snow and ice, lake breakouts, or heavy rains in conjunction with large eruptive columns. Alternatively, lahars can follow eruptions, when...
Authors
Weston Thelen, John Lyons, Alexandra Iezzi, Seth Moran
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

Debris-flow monitoring on volcanoes via a novel usage of a laser rangefinder Debris-flow monitoring on volcanoes via a novel usage of a laser rangefinder

Mount Rainier has had at least 11 large lahars over the last 6,000 years, including one occurring without evidence of eruptive activity. This prompted the creation of a lahar detection system that uses a combination of seismic, infrasound, and tripwires. We test a laser rangefinder placed on a river channel bank for detecting and confirming mass movements flowing past a station as an...
Authors
Alexandra Iezzi, Emily Bryant, Weston Thelen, Craig Gabrielson, Seth Moran, Matthew Patrick, Edward Younger, Maciej Obryk
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

Recent expansion of the Cascades Volcano Observatory geophysical network at Mount Rainier for improved volcano and lahar monitoring Recent expansion of the Cascades Volcano Observatory geophysical network at Mount Rainier for improved volcano and lahar monitoring

The U.S. Geological Survey Cascades Volcano Observatory (CVO) recently expanded its continuous geophysical monitoring at Mount Rainier, an active stratovolcano in Washington state. CVO monitors volcanoes in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho to characterize volcanic systems and detect unrest. Mount Rainier has a history of large lahar occurrences in the Holocene, including at least one that...
Authors
Rebecca Kramer, Weston Thelen, Alexandra Iezzi, Seth Moran, Benjamin Pauk
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

Lessons learned from the 2022 CONVERSE Monogenetic Volcanism Response Scenario exercise Lessons learned from the 2022 CONVERSE Monogenetic Volcanism Response Scenario exercise

When volcanic unrest occurs, the scientific community can advance fundamental understanding of volcanic systems, but only with coordination before, during, and after the event across academic and governmental agencies. To develop a coordinated response plan, the Community Network for Volcanic Eruption Response (CONVERSE) orchestrated a scenario exercise centered around a hypothetical...
Authors
Yolanda Lin, Einat Lev, Ria Mukerji, Tobias P. Fischer, Charles Connor, Wendy K. Stovall, Michael Poland, Alexandra Iezzi, Christelle Wauthier, Judit Gonzalez-Santana, Heather Wright, Samantha Wolf, Tobi Kasali
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

Introduction to the special section on seismoacoustics and seismoacoustic data fusion Introduction to the special section on seismoacoustics and seismoacoustic data fusion

A variety of geophysical hazards (e.g., volcanic activity, earthquakes, mass movements, marine storms, bolides) and anthropogenic sources (e.g., chemical and nuclear explosions, mining blasts, rocket launches) can release energy as mechanical waves in the ground, ocean, and atmosphere (Arrowsmith et al., 2010; Campus and Christie, 2009). Due to the mechanical coupling between a planetary...
Authors
Fransiska Dannemann Dugick, Jordan Bishop, Leo Martire, Alexandra Iezzi, Jelle Assink, Quentin Brissaud, Stephen Arrowsmith
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

2019 Volcanic activity in Alaska—Summary of events and response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory 2019 Volcanic activity in Alaska—Summary of events and response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory

The Alaska Volcano Observatory responded to eruptions, volcanic unrest or suspected unrest, increased seismicity, and other significant activity at 17 volcanic centers in Alaska in 2019. The most notable volcanic activity was an eruption of Shishaldin Volcano, featuring eruptive activity that produced lava flows, lahars, and ash. Weak explosive activity also took place at Great Sitkin...
Authors
Tim Orr, Cheryl Cameron, Hannah Dietterich, James Dixon, Max Enders, Ronni Grapenthin, Alexandra Iezzi, Matthew Loewen, John Power, Cheryl Searcy, Gabrielle Tepp, Liam Toney, Christopher Waythomas, Aaron Wech
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

2018 Volcanic activity in Alaska—Summary of events and response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory 2018 Volcanic activity in Alaska—Summary of events and response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory

The Alaska Volcano Observatory responded to eruptions, considerable and minor volcanic unrest, and seismic events at 15 volcanic centers in Alaska during 2018. The most notable volcanic activity came from Mount Cleveland, which had continuing intermittent dome growth and ash eruptions, and Mount Veniaminof, Great Sitkin Volcano, and Semisopochnoi Island, the three of which had minor...
Authors
Cheryl Cameron, Tim Orr, James Dixon, Hannah Dietterich, Christopher Waythomas, Alexandra M. Iezzi, John Power, Cheryl Searcy, Ronni Grapenthin, Gabrielle Tepp, Kristi Wallace, Taryn Lopez, Kimberly Degrandpre, John M. Perreault
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

UAS-Based Observations of Infrasound Directionality at Stromboli Volcano, Italy UAS-Based Observations of Infrasound Directionality at Stromboli Volcano, Italy

Infrasound (low frequency sound waves) can be used to monitor and characterize volcanic eruptions. However, infrasound sensors are usually placed on the ground, thus providing a limited sampling of the acoustic radiation pattern that can bias source size estimates. We present observations of explosive eruptions from a novel uncrewed aircraft system (UAS)-based infrasound sensor platform...
Authors
Alexandra Iezzi, Richard M. Buzard, David Fee, Robin Matoza, Julia Gestrich, A.D. Jolly, Markus Schmid, Valeria Cigala, Ulrich Kueppers, Caron Vossen, Corrado Cimarelli, Giorgio Lacanna, Maurizio Ripepe
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Iezzi, A.M., Matoza R.S., Bishop, J.W., Bhetanabhotla, S., and Fee, D. (2022), Narrow-Band Least-Squares Infrasound Array Processing, Seismological Research Letters: Electronic Seismologist, 93, 5, https://doi.org/10.1785/0220220042
Watson, L.M., Iezzi, A.M., Toney, L., Maher, S.P., Fee, D., McKee, K., Ortiz, H.D., Matoza, R.S., Anderson, J.F., Witsil, A.J.C., Gestrich, J.E., Bishop, J.W., and Johnson, J.B. (2022), Volcano Infrasound: Progress and Future Directions, Bulletin of Volcanology, 84, 44, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00445-022-01544-w
Blom, P.S., Iezzi, A.M., and Euler, G. (2020), Seismoacoustic analysis of underground explosions using the Rayleigh integral, Geophysical Journal International, 223, 1069–1085. https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggaa363
Iezzi, A.M., Fee, D., Kim, K., Jolly, A.D., and Matoza, R.S. (2019), Three-Dimensional Acoustic Multipole Waveform Inversion at Yasur Volcano, Vanuatu, Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 124, 8679-8703. https://doi.org/10.1029/2018JB017073
Diaz-Moreno, A., Iezzi, A.M., Lamb, O.D., Fee, D., Kim, K., Zuccarello, L., and De Angelis, S. (2019), Volume Flow Rate Estimation for Small Explosions at Mt. Etna, Italy, From Acoustic Waveform Inversion, Geophysical Research Letters, 46, 11071-11079. https://doi.org/10.1029/2019GL084598
Jolly, A.D., Matoza, R.S., Fee, D., Kennedy, B.M., Iezzi, A.M., Fitzgerald, R.H., Austin, A.C., and Johnson, R. (2017), Capturing the Acoustic Radiation Pattern of Strombolian Eruptions using Infrasound Sensors Aboard a Tethered Aerostat, Yasur Volcano, Vanuatu. Geophysical Research Letters, 44 (19), 9672-9680. https://doi.org/10.1002/2017GL074971
Iezzi, A.M. (2020). Exploring Infrasound Wavefields to Characterize Volcanic Eruptions, Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Department of Geosciences, 1-192.
Iezzi, A.M. (2015), Lahar Inundation Modeling with the Aid of Historic Flow Deposits at Redoubt Volcano, Cook Inlet, Alaska. Undergraduate Honors Thesis, Connecticut College, Department of Physics, Astronomy and Geophysics, 1-160.

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

Get to know CVO: Alex and Infrasound

Get to know CVO: Alex and Infrasound

At the Cascades Volcano Observatory, staff use technical skills and creativity to solve complex problems and innovate for the future. Alex Iezzi uses...

Read Article

Science and Products

Swath laser, laser rangefinder, and high-precision analog laser data from gate release and natural release experiments conducted in April 2024 and October 2022, respectively, at the USGS debris-flow flume, HJ Andrews Experimental Forest, Blue River, Orego Swath laser, laser rangefinder, and high-precision analog laser data from gate release and natural release experiments conducted in April 2024 and October 2022, respectively, at the USGS debris-flow flume, HJ Andrews Experimental Forest, Blue River, Orego

The swath laser was tested at the large-scale experimental USGS debris flow flume facility as a potential tool for mass movement detection. The tests were conducted during gate release experiments, where a large volume of sediment was released from a hopper; and during natural release experiments, where a sediment prism was watered until wide-spread Coulomb failure occurred. During the...
By
Volcano Science Center

Laser Rangefinder Data for Surficial Mass Movements in the Cascades Laser Rangefinder Data for Surficial Mass Movements in the Cascades

A laser rangefinder was used to record surficial mass movements at Cascades volcanoes and an experimental debris flow flume. Mass movements such as large lahars and smaller seasonal debris flows can occur at volcanoes in the Cascades. A combination of seismic, infrasound, tripwires, and webcams can be used to detect and characterize these flows. A laser rangefinder can be placed on the...
By
Volcano Science Center
Plot showing acoustic signals over time Plot showing acoustic signals over time
May 3, 2025, bolide acoustic signal recorded by infrasound station in Yellowstone National Park
Plot showing acoustic signals over time

May 3, 2025, bolide acoustic signal recorded by infrasound station in Yellowstone National Park

May 3, 2025, bolide acoustic signal recorded by infrasound station in Yellowstone National Park

This audio clip is the infrasound recorded during 1 minute on May 3, 2025, at 9:33 p.m.

By
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Yellowstone Volcano Observatory
Plot showing acoustic signals over time

May 3, 2025, bolide acoustic signal recorded by infrasound station in Yellowstone National Park

May 3, 2025, bolide acoustic signal recorded by infrasound station in Yellowstone National Park

This audio clip is the infrasound recorded during 1 minute on May 3, 2025, at 9:33 p.m.

By
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Yellowstone Volcano Observatory
Seismic and infrasound data for the April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace at Norris Geyser Basin
Seismic and infrasound data for the April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace at Norris Geyser Basin
Seismic and infrasound data for the April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace at Norris Geyser Basin
Seismic and infrasound data for the April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace at Norris Geyser Basin

Seismic and infrasound data for the April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace at Norris Geyser Basin

Seismic and infrasound data for the April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace at Norris Geyser Basin

Seismic and infrasound data for the April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace at Norris Geyser Basin.  Top plot is seismic data from the YNM station, located at the Norris Geyser Basin Museum.  Middle plot is seismic data from station YNB, in the Ragged Hills of Norris Geyser Basin. Bottom plot is infrasound data from station YNB.&nb

By
Volcano Science Center, Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, Yellowstone
Seismic and infrasound data for the April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace at Norris Geyser Basin

Seismic and infrasound data for the April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace at Norris Geyser Basin

Seismic and infrasound data for the April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace at Norris Geyser Basin

Seismic and infrasound data for the April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace at Norris Geyser Basin.  Top plot is seismic data from the YNM station, located at the Norris Geyser Basin Museum.  Middle plot is seismic data from station YNB, in the Ragged Hills of Norris Geyser Basin. Bottom plot is infrasound data from station YNB.&nb

By
Volcano Science Center, Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, Yellowstone
Filter Total Items: 25

The first instrumentally detected hydrothermal explosion in Yellowstone National Park The first instrumentally detected hydrothermal explosion in Yellowstone National Park

Hydrothermal explosions are one of the geological hazards most likely to impact people in Yellowstone National Park, but their frequency is poorly known. Infrasound and seismic sensors identified an explosion in Norris Geyser Basin on 15 April 2024, at 14:56 MDT (20:56 UTC)—the first instrumentally detected hydrothermal explosion in the Yellowstone region. The event affected an area tens...
Authors
Michael Poland, Alexandra Iezzi, Jamie Farrell, R. Vaughan
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Volcano Hazards Program, Astrogeology Science Center, Volcano Science Center, Yellowstone Volcano Observatory

Infrasonic directivity of monopole, dipole, and bipole ground-surface reflected sources Infrasonic directivity of monopole, dipole, and bipole ground-surface reflected sources

Infrasound (acoustic waves below 20 Hz) can be used to detect, locate and quantify activity in the atmosphere such as volcanic eruptions and anthropogenic explosions. Attempts to quantify volcanic eruption parameters such as exit velocity, plume height and mass flow rate using infrasound data depend strongly on assumptions of the acoustic source type. Infrasonic sources may produce...
Authors
Alexandra Iezzi, Robin Matoza, Emma V. Opper, Keehoon Kim
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

Utility of a swath laser rangefinder for characterizing mass movement flow depth and landslide initiation Utility of a swath laser rangefinder for characterizing mass movement flow depth and landslide initiation

Mass movements such as debris flows and landslides are some of the deadliest and most destructive natural hazards occurring mostly in alpine and volcanic settings. With ever-growing populations located downslope from known debris flow channels, early warning systems can help prevent loss of life. Geophysical and technological advances have improved monitoring and detection capabilities...
Authors
Maciej Obryk, Emily Christina Bedinger, Alexandra Iezzi, Emily Bryant, Kate Allstadt, David George, Benjamin B. Mirus
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Volcano Hazards Program, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Volcano Science Center

Infrasound for volcano monitoring Infrasound for volcano monitoring

IntroductionVolcanic eruptions produce acoustic waves when volcanic gases and hot material rapidly expand in the atmosphere. Volcanic activity can produce acoustic signals with a wide range of frequencies, from very long period (>10 seconds) to audible (>20 hertz [Hz]), but the most energetic band is typically in the infrasound from 0.5 to 20 Hz. Studies of volcanic infrasound and the...
Authors
John Lyons, David Fee, Weston Thelen, Alexandra Iezzi, Aaron Wech
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

Monitoring lahars Monitoring lahars

IntroductionLahars, or debris flows that originate from a volcano (Pierson and Scott, 1985; Pierson, 1995), are among the most destructive, far-reaching, and persistent hazards on stratovolcanoes. Lahars may be triggered by syneruptive rapid melting of snow and ice, lake breakouts, or heavy rains in conjunction with large eruptive columns. Alternatively, lahars can follow eruptions, when...
Authors
Weston Thelen, John Lyons, Alexandra Iezzi, Seth Moran
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

Debris-flow monitoring on volcanoes via a novel usage of a laser rangefinder Debris-flow monitoring on volcanoes via a novel usage of a laser rangefinder

Mount Rainier has had at least 11 large lahars over the last 6,000 years, including one occurring without evidence of eruptive activity. This prompted the creation of a lahar detection system that uses a combination of seismic, infrasound, and tripwires. We test a laser rangefinder placed on a river channel bank for detecting and confirming mass movements flowing past a station as an...
Authors
Alexandra Iezzi, Emily Bryant, Weston Thelen, Craig Gabrielson, Seth Moran, Matthew Patrick, Edward Younger, Maciej Obryk
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

Recent expansion of the Cascades Volcano Observatory geophysical network at Mount Rainier for improved volcano and lahar monitoring Recent expansion of the Cascades Volcano Observatory geophysical network at Mount Rainier for improved volcano and lahar monitoring

The U.S. Geological Survey Cascades Volcano Observatory (CVO) recently expanded its continuous geophysical monitoring at Mount Rainier, an active stratovolcano in Washington state. CVO monitors volcanoes in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho to characterize volcanic systems and detect unrest. Mount Rainier has a history of large lahar occurrences in the Holocene, including at least one that...
Authors
Rebecca Kramer, Weston Thelen, Alexandra Iezzi, Seth Moran, Benjamin Pauk
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

Lessons learned from the 2022 CONVERSE Monogenetic Volcanism Response Scenario exercise Lessons learned from the 2022 CONVERSE Monogenetic Volcanism Response Scenario exercise

When volcanic unrest occurs, the scientific community can advance fundamental understanding of volcanic systems, but only with coordination before, during, and after the event across academic and governmental agencies. To develop a coordinated response plan, the Community Network for Volcanic Eruption Response (CONVERSE) orchestrated a scenario exercise centered around a hypothetical...
Authors
Yolanda Lin, Einat Lev, Ria Mukerji, Tobias P. Fischer, Charles Connor, Wendy K. Stovall, Michael Poland, Alexandra Iezzi, Christelle Wauthier, Judit Gonzalez-Santana, Heather Wright, Samantha Wolf, Tobi Kasali
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

Introduction to the special section on seismoacoustics and seismoacoustic data fusion Introduction to the special section on seismoacoustics and seismoacoustic data fusion

A variety of geophysical hazards (e.g., volcanic activity, earthquakes, mass movements, marine storms, bolides) and anthropogenic sources (e.g., chemical and nuclear explosions, mining blasts, rocket launches) can release energy as mechanical waves in the ground, ocean, and atmosphere (Arrowsmith et al., 2010; Campus and Christie, 2009). Due to the mechanical coupling between a planetary...
Authors
Fransiska Dannemann Dugick, Jordan Bishop, Leo Martire, Alexandra Iezzi, Jelle Assink, Quentin Brissaud, Stephen Arrowsmith
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

2019 Volcanic activity in Alaska—Summary of events and response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory 2019 Volcanic activity in Alaska—Summary of events and response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory

The Alaska Volcano Observatory responded to eruptions, volcanic unrest or suspected unrest, increased seismicity, and other significant activity at 17 volcanic centers in Alaska in 2019. The most notable volcanic activity was an eruption of Shishaldin Volcano, featuring eruptive activity that produced lava flows, lahars, and ash. Weak explosive activity also took place at Great Sitkin...
Authors
Tim Orr, Cheryl Cameron, Hannah Dietterich, James Dixon, Max Enders, Ronni Grapenthin, Alexandra Iezzi, Matthew Loewen, John Power, Cheryl Searcy, Gabrielle Tepp, Liam Toney, Christopher Waythomas, Aaron Wech
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

2018 Volcanic activity in Alaska—Summary of events and response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory 2018 Volcanic activity in Alaska—Summary of events and response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory

The Alaska Volcano Observatory responded to eruptions, considerable and minor volcanic unrest, and seismic events at 15 volcanic centers in Alaska during 2018. The most notable volcanic activity came from Mount Cleveland, which had continuing intermittent dome growth and ash eruptions, and Mount Veniaminof, Great Sitkin Volcano, and Semisopochnoi Island, the three of which had minor...
Authors
Cheryl Cameron, Tim Orr, James Dixon, Hannah Dietterich, Christopher Waythomas, Alexandra M. Iezzi, John Power, Cheryl Searcy, Ronni Grapenthin, Gabrielle Tepp, Kristi Wallace, Taryn Lopez, Kimberly Degrandpre, John M. Perreault
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

UAS-Based Observations of Infrasound Directionality at Stromboli Volcano, Italy UAS-Based Observations of Infrasound Directionality at Stromboli Volcano, Italy

Infrasound (low frequency sound waves) can be used to monitor and characterize volcanic eruptions. However, infrasound sensors are usually placed on the ground, thus providing a limited sampling of the acoustic radiation pattern that can bias source size estimates. We present observations of explosive eruptions from a novel uncrewed aircraft system (UAS)-based infrasound sensor platform...
Authors
Alexandra Iezzi, Richard M. Buzard, David Fee, Robin Matoza, Julia Gestrich, A.D. Jolly, Markus Schmid, Valeria Cigala, Ulrich Kueppers, Caron Vossen, Corrado Cimarelli, Giorgio Lacanna, Maurizio Ripepe
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Iezzi, A.M., Matoza R.S., Bishop, J.W., Bhetanabhotla, S., and Fee, D. (2022), Narrow-Band Least-Squares Infrasound Array Processing, Seismological Research Letters: Electronic Seismologist, 93, 5, https://doi.org/10.1785/0220220042
Watson, L.M., Iezzi, A.M., Toney, L., Maher, S.P., Fee, D., McKee, K., Ortiz, H.D., Matoza, R.S., Anderson, J.F., Witsil, A.J.C., Gestrich, J.E., Bishop, J.W., and Johnson, J.B. (2022), Volcano Infrasound: Progress and Future Directions, Bulletin of Volcanology, 84, 44, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00445-022-01544-w
Blom, P.S., Iezzi, A.M., and Euler, G. (2020), Seismoacoustic analysis of underground explosions using the Rayleigh integral, Geophysical Journal International, 223, 1069–1085. https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggaa363
Iezzi, A.M., Fee, D., Kim, K., Jolly, A.D., and Matoza, R.S. (2019), Three-Dimensional Acoustic Multipole Waveform Inversion at Yasur Volcano, Vanuatu, Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 124, 8679-8703. https://doi.org/10.1029/2018JB017073
Diaz-Moreno, A., Iezzi, A.M., Lamb, O.D., Fee, D., Kim, K., Zuccarello, L., and De Angelis, S. (2019), Volume Flow Rate Estimation for Small Explosions at Mt. Etna, Italy, From Acoustic Waveform Inversion, Geophysical Research Letters, 46, 11071-11079. https://doi.org/10.1029/2019GL084598
Jolly, A.D., Matoza, R.S., Fee, D., Kennedy, B.M., Iezzi, A.M., Fitzgerald, R.H., Austin, A.C., and Johnson, R. (2017), Capturing the Acoustic Radiation Pattern of Strombolian Eruptions using Infrasound Sensors Aboard a Tethered Aerostat, Yasur Volcano, Vanuatu. Geophysical Research Letters, 44 (19), 9672-9680. https://doi.org/10.1002/2017GL074971
Iezzi, A.M. (2020). Exploring Infrasound Wavefields to Characterize Volcanic Eruptions, Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Department of Geosciences, 1-192.
Iezzi, A.M. (2015), Lahar Inundation Modeling with the Aid of Historic Flow Deposits at Redoubt Volcano, Cook Inlet, Alaska. Undergraduate Honors Thesis, Connecticut College, Department of Physics, Astronomy and Geophysics, 1-160.

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

Get to know CVO: Alex and Infrasound

Get to know CVO: Alex and Infrasound

At the Cascades Volcano Observatory, staff use technical skills and creativity to solve complex problems and innovate for the future. Alex Iezzi uses...

Read Article
Was this page helpful?