Christina A. Neal
I have 38 years of experience as a USGS volcanologist. As the Volcano Science Center Director, I oversee the work of 170 employees at five U.S. volcano observatories and the Volcano Disaster Assistance Program. I am responsible for science and operational planning; workforce development; improving diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility; and preparing the USGS for U.S. volcanic eruptions.
I have worked for the USGS on various aspects of volcanology, eruption response, and hazard assessment and risk mitigation since 1983. I was introduced to volcanoes in college looking at Viking Orbiter images of Olympus Mons on Mars. My first Earthly volcano was Mount St. Helens where I spent the summer of 1982 studying small-volume pyroclastic flow deposits from 1980. I learned about lava and volcano monitoring as an assistant geologist at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory in the early days of the Pu`u`O`o eruption and mapped the summit and southwest rift zone of Kīlauea Volcano as part of the Big Island Geologic Mapping Project working for Ed Wolfe. In 1985, I spent a month at sea on an ALVIN expedition to the active propagating rift system near the Galapagos at 95.5W.
I moved to the new Alaska Volcano Observatory in 1990 where I participated in eruption response and physical volcanologic studies at Redoubt, Spurr, Augustine, Okmok, and other Aleutian volcanoes. My science focus was illuminating eruptive histories at Aniakchak and Okmok calderas, characterizing young pyroclastic deposits and processes, and hazard assessment. I developed strong interests and experience in managing volcano hazard information, developing warning systems, interagency coordination, and volcanic ash and aviation hazards. For some time, I led collaboration between the Alaska Volcano Observatory and colleagues in Kamchatka and Sakhalin to expand Russian eruption warning systems.
I served as the first USGS Geoscience Advisor to USAID's Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (1998-2000) where I developed and facilitated programs supporting disaster mitigation abroad. From 2009-2010, I completed two details to the USGS Western Regional Office as Chief of Staff and Deputy Regional Director. In 2011-2012, I represented the Volcano Hazards Program and Science Center during development of the USGS Hazards Mission Strategic Science Plan.
I served as Scientist-in-Charge of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory from 2015-2020, overseeing a staff of 30 and managing response to the 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption and summit collapse of Kīlauea. During my tenure, I focused on hiring a new generation of HVO scientists, planning for new facilities and science initiatives following Congressional funding in the aftermath of the 2018 event, and preparing for a Mauna Loa eruption.
I returned to Alaska in 2020 and became Center Director in May 2021. My focus at this time is preparing for growth that may occur as part of the Congressionally authorized National Volcano Early Warning System and ensuring adequate support for our workforce to carry out the VSC goals to better understand volcanic processes and hazards, and provide timely guidance and information to help protect lives and property.
Professional Experience
2021 - Present, Volcano Science Center Director
2015 - 2020, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Scientist-in-Charge
Education and Certifications
Sc.B, Geological Sciences, Brown University, 1981
M.S. Geological Sciences, Arizona State University, 1986
Affiliations and Memberships*
Geological Society of Ameria (Fellow)
American Geophysical Union
International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior
Honors and Awards
2019 Samuel J. Heymann Service to America finalist, HVO staff
2019 DOI Unit Award for Excellence of Service, HVO staff, for Kīlauea response
2016 Elected Fellow, Geological Society of America
2006 Superior Service Award, DOI
Science and Products
2009 Volcanic activity in Alaska, Kamchatka, and the Kurile Islands: Summary of events and response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory: A natural laboratory for studying basaltic volcanism
Degassing of CO2, SO2, and H2S associated with the 2009 eruption of Redoubt Volcano, Alaska
U.S. Geological Survey natural hazards science strategy— Promoting the safety, security, and economic well-being of the Nation
Natural hazards science strategy
Deep magmatic degassing versus scrubbing: Elevated CO2 emissions and C/S in the lead-up to the 2009 eruption of Redoubt Volcano, Alaska
The 2009 eruption of Redoubt Volcano, Alaska
2008 Volcanic activity in Alaska, Kamchatka, and the Kurile Islands: Summary of events and response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory
2007 Volcanic activity in Alaska, Kamchatka, and the Kurile Islands: Summary of events and response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory
Variations in eruption style during the 1931 A.D. eruption of Aniakchak volcano, Alaska
Variations in eruption style during the 1931A.D. eruption of Aniakchak volcano, Alaska
Satellite and ground observations of the June 2009 eruption of Sarychev Peak volcano, Matua Island, Central Kuriles
Science and Products
- Maps
- Publications
Filter Total Items: 94
2009 Volcanic activity in Alaska, Kamchatka, and the Kurile Islands: Summary of events and response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory
The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) responded to eruptions, possible eruptions, volcanic unrest, and reports of unusual activity at or near eight separate volcanic centers in Alaska during 2009. The year was highlighted by the eruption of Redoubt Volcano, one of three active volcanoes on the western side of Cook Inlet and near south-central Alaska's population and commerce centers, which compriseAuthorsRobert G. McGimsey, Christina A. Neal, Olga A. Girina, Marina Chibisova, Alexander RybinThe Hawaiian Volcano Observatory: A natural laboratory for studying basaltic volcanism
In the beginning of the 20th century, geologist Thomas A. Jaggar, Jr., argued that, to fully understand volcanic and associated hazards, the expeditionary mode of studying eruptions only after they occurred was inadequate. Instead, he fervently advocated the use of permanent observatories to record and measure volcanic phenomena—at and below the surface—before, during, and after eruptions to obtaiAuthorsRobert I. Tilling, James P. Kauahikaua, Steven R. Brantley, Christina A. NealDegassing of CO2, SO2, and H2S associated with the 2009 eruption of Redoubt Volcano, Alaska
The 2009 eruption of Redoubt Volcano, Alaska was particularly well monitored for volcanic gas emissions. We report 35 airborne measurements of CO2, SO2, and H2S emission rates that span from October 2008 to August 2010. The magmatic system degassed primarily as a closed system although minor amounts of open system degassing were observed in the 6 months prior to eruption on March 15, 2009 and overAuthorsCynthia A. Werner, Peter J. Kelly, Michael P. Doukas, Taryn Lopez, Melissa Pfeffer, Robert G. McGimsey, Christina A. NealU.S. Geological Survey natural hazards science strategy— Promoting the safety, security, and economic well-being of the Nation
Executive SummaryThe mission of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in natural hazards is to develop and apply hazard science to help protect the safety, security, and economic well-being of the Nation. The costs and consequences of natural hazards can be enormous, and each year more people and infrastructure are at risk. USGS scientific research—founded on detailed observations and improved understAuthorsRobert R. Holmes, Lucile M. Jones, Jeffery C. Eidenshink, Jonathan W. Godt, Stephen H. Kirby, Jeffrey J. Love, Christina A. Neal, Nathaniel G. Plant, Michael L. Plunkett, Craig S. Weaver, Anne Wein, Suzanne C. PerryNatural hazards science strategy
The mission of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in natural hazards is to develop and apply hazard science to help protect the safety, security, and economic well-being of the Nation. The costs and consequences of natural hazards can be enormous, and each year more people and infrastructure are at risk. USGS scientific research—founded on detailed observations and improved understanding of the resAuthorsRobert R. Holmes, Lucile M. Jones, Jeffery C. Eidenshink, Jonathan W. Godt, Stephen H. Kirby, Jeffrey J. Love, Christina A. Neal, Nathaniel G. Plant, Michael L. Plunkett, Craig S. Weaver, Anne Wein, Suzanne C. PerryDeep magmatic degassing versus scrubbing: Elevated CO2 emissions and C/S in the lead-up to the 2009 eruption of Redoubt Volcano, Alaska
We report CO2, SO2, and H2S emission rates and C/S ratios during the five months leading up to the 2009 eruption of Redoubt Volcano, Alaska. CO2emission rates up to 9018 t/d and C/S ratios ≥30 measured in the months prior to the eruption were critical for fully informed forecasting efforts. Observations of ice-melt rates, meltwater discharge, and water chemistry suggest that surface waters represeAuthorsCynthia A. Werner, William C. Evans, Peter J. Kelly, Robert G. McGimsey, Melissa Pfeffer, Michael P. Doukas, Christina A. NealThe 2009 eruption of Redoubt Volcano, Alaska
Redoubt Volcano, an ice-covered stratovolcano on the west side of Cook Inlet, erupted in March 2009 after several months of escalating unrest. The 2009 eruption of Redoubt Volcano shares many similarities with eruptions documented most recently at Redoubt in 1966–68 and 1989–90. In each case, the eruptive phase lasted several months, consisted of multiple ashproducing explosions, produced andesitiAuthorsKatharine F. Bull, Cheryl Cameron, Michelle L. Coombs, Angie Diefenbach, Taryn Lopez, Steve McNutt, Christina A. Neal, Allison Payne, John A. Power, David J. Schneider, William E. Scott, Seth Snedigar, Glenn Thompson, Kristi L. Wallace, Christopher F. Waythomas, Peter Webley, Cynthia A. Werner2008 Volcanic activity in Alaska, Kamchatka, and the Kurile Islands: Summary of events and response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory
The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) responded to eruptions, possible eruptions, and volcanic unrest or suspected unrest at seven separate volcanic centers in Alaska during 2008. Significant explosive eruptions at Okmok and Kasatochi Volcanoes in July and August dominated Observatory operations in the summer and autumn. AVO maintained 24-hour staffing at the Anchorage facility from July 12 throughAuthorsChristina A. Neal, Robert G. McGimsey, James P. Dixon, Cheryl E. Cameron, Anton A. Nuzhdaev, Marina Chibisova2007 Volcanic activity in Alaska, Kamchatka, and the Kurile Islands: Summary of events and response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory
The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) responded to eruptions, possible eruptions, and volcanic unrest at or near nine separate volcanic centers in Alaska during 2007. The year was highlighted by the eruption of Pavlof, one of Alaska's most frequently active volcanoes. Glaciated Fourpeaked Mountain, a volcano thought to have been inactive in the Holocene, produced a phreatic eruption in the autumn oAuthorsRobert G. McGimsey, Christina A. Neal, James P. Dixon, Nataliya Malik, Marina ChibisovaVariations in eruption style during the 1931 A.D. eruption of Aniakchak volcano, Alaska
The 1931 A.D. eruption of Aniakchak volcano, Alaska, progressed from subplinian to effusive eruptive style and from trachydacite to basaltic andesite composition from multiple vent locations. Eyewitness accounts and new studies of deposit stratigraphy provide a combined narrative of eruptive events. Additional field, compositional, grain size, componentry, density, and grain morphology data documeAuthorsRobert S. Nicholson, James E. Gardner, Christina A. NealVariations in eruption style during the 1931A.D. eruption of Aniakchak volcano, Alaska
The 1931 A.D. eruption of Aniakchak volcano, Alaska, progressed from subplinian to effusive eruptive style and from trachydacite to basaltic andesite composition from multiple vent locations. Eyewitness accounts and new studies of deposit stratigraphy provide a combined narrative of eruptive events. Additional field, compositional, grain size, componentry, density, and grain morphology data documeAuthorsR.S. Nicholson, J.E. Gardner, C. A. NealSatellite and ground observations of the June 2009 eruption of Sarychev Peak volcano, Matua Island, Central Kuriles
After 33 years of repose, one of the most active volcanoes of the Kurile island arc—Sarychev Peak on Matua Island in the Central Kuriles—erupted violently on June 11, 2009. The eruption lasted 9 days and stands among the largest of recent historical eruptions in the Kurile Island chain. Satellite monitoring of the eruption, using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, Meteorological AgencyAuthorsA. Rybin, M. Chibisova, P. Webley, T. Steensen, P. Izbekov, Christina A. Neal, V. Realmuto - News
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*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government