David Damby researches the impacts of geologic materials and environmental exposures on public health. To date, he has worked on volcanic emissions, wildfire smoke, desert dusts, coal dust, lunar dust, and diatomaceous earth. He currently works for the USGS Volcano Hazards Program.
Professional Experience
Member of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) since 2016
2013 - 2015 Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich, Germany
2010 - 2012 MRC/University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, UK
2009 - 2012 Institute of Hazard, Risk & Resilience, Durham University, UK
2006 - 2008 Transplantation Surgery and Immunology, Department of Surgery, University of Vermont, USA
Education and Certifications
PhD (2012) Earth Sciences, Durham University (UK)
BSc (2008) Biochemistry, University of Vermont (USA)
Science and Products
Chemical and isotopic composition of gas, water, and solids from the 2019-2020 water lake in Halema’uma’u Crater, Kīlauea Volcano, Hawaii
Following the 2018 eruption of Kīlauea Volcano (Neal et al, 2019) and the subsequent collapse of the Halema’uma’u crater, groundwater gradually seeped into the newly-deepened crater (Nadeau and others, 2020). Water was first observed in the crater on 7/26/2019, and the water level increased over time until 12/20/2020, when the crater again filled with lava, vaporizing the lake. In the intervening
Geochemical data for waters, rocks, sediments and biofilms from Rio Tinto, Spain
Rio Tinto, Spain, is an example of a fluvial system strongly influenced by acid rock and acid mine drainage. During the spring of 2018 and 2019, samples of stream waters and mine waters, biofilms, sediments and rocks, were collected in the field by Aubrey Zerkle. These samples were analyzed for comprehensive geochemistry, including Cr isotope geochemistry, anions and cations. Mineralogical analysi
Volcanic ash leachate and rainwater chemistry from increased 2018 activity of Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii
In early May 2018, activity at Kilauea volcano, Hawaii, increased, with heightened ash production from the summit commencing on May 17. Volcanic ash can scavenge volatile components from volcanic plumes, resulting in the deposition of potentially harmful elements during ash fallout. Leaching of these species (e.g., by rainfall or in water catchment systems) can have implications for agriculture, w
Filter Total Items: 25
Estimates of volcanic mercury emissions from Redoubt Volcano, Augustine Volcano, and Mount Spurr eruption ash
Ash is a potential sink of volcanically sourced atmospheric mercury (Hg), and the concentration of particle-bound Hg may provide constraints on Hg emissions during eruptions. We analyze Hg concentrations in 227 bulk ash samples from the Mount Spurr (1992), Redoubt Volcano (2009), and Augustine Volcano (2006) volcanic eruptions to investigate large-scale spatial, temporal, and volcanic-source trend
Authors
D Skye Kushner, Taryn Lopez, Kristi L. Wallace, David Damby, Christoph Kern, Cheryl Cameron
Hawai‘i residents’ perceptions of Kīlauea’s 2018 eruption information
The 2018 eruption of Kīlauea Volcano was notable for its variety of large and spatially distinct hazards, simultaneously affecting three geographically disparate, culturally diverse regions in Hawaiʻi. We conducted a pilot study, consisting of 18 semi-structured interviews, two survey responses, and several informal conversations with Hawaiʻi residents to learn which sources/messengers of eruption
Authors
Robert T. Goldman, Wendy K. Stovall, David Damby, Sara McBride
A reappraisal of explosive–effusive silicic eruption dynamics: Syn-eruptive assembly of lava from the products of cryptic fragmentation
Silicic volcanic eruptions range in style from gently effusive to highly explosive, and may switch style unpredictably during a single eruption. Direct observations of subaerial rhyolitic eruptions (Chaiten 2008, Cordón Caulle 2011–2012, Chile) challenged long-standing paradigms of explosive and effusive eruptive styles and led to the formulation of new models of hybrid activity. However, the proc
Authors
Fabian Wadsworth, Edward W. Llewellin, Jonathan Castro, Hugh Tuffen, Ian Schipper, James E. Gardner, Annabelle Foster, Jeremie Vasseur, David Damby, Iona McIntosh, Sina Boettcher, Holly Unwin, Michael J. Heap, Jamie Farquharson, Donald B. Dingwell, Kayla Iacovino, Rebecca Paisley, Calvin Jones, Jack Whattam
Spatial distribution and physicochemical properties of respirable volcanic ash from the 16-17 August 2006 Tungurahua eruption (Ecuador), and alveolar epithelium response in-vitro
Tungurahua volcano (Ecuador) intermittently emitted ash between 1999 and 2016, enduringly affecting the surrounding rural area and its population, but its health impact remains poorly documented. We aim to assess the respiratory health hazard posed by the 16–17 August 2006 most intense eruptive phase of Tungurahua. We mapped the spatial distribution of the health-relevant ash size fractions produc
Authors
Julia Eychenne, Lucia Gurioli, David Damby, Corinne Belville, Federica Schiavi, Geoffroy Marceau, Claire Szczepaniak, Christelle Blavignac, Mickael Laumonier, Emmanuel Gardés, Jean-Luc Le Pennec, Jean-Marie Nedelec, Loic Blanchon, Vincent Sapin
Volcanic air pollution and human health: Recent advances and future directions
Volcanic air pollution from both explosive and effusive activity can affect large populations as far as thousands of kilometers away from the source, for days to decades or even centuries. Here, we summarize key advances and prospects in the assessment of health hazards, effects, risk, and management. Recent advances include standardized ash assessment methods to characterize the multiple physicoc
Authors
Carol Stewart, David Damby, Claire J. Horwell, Tamar Elias, Evgenia Ilyinskaya, Ines Tomasek, Bernadette Longo, Anja Schmidt, Hanne Carlsen, Emily Mason, Peter J. Baxter, Shane Cronin, Claire Witham
Evaluating the state-of-the-art in remote volcanic eruption characterization Part I: Raikoke volcano, Kuril Islands
Raikoke, a small, unmonitored volcano in the Kuril Islands, erupted in June 2019. We integrate data from satellites (including Sentinel-2, TROPOMI, MODIS, Himawari-8), the International Monitoring System (IMS) infrasound network, and global lightning detection network (GLD360) with information from local authorities and social media to retrospectively characterize the eruptive sequence and improve
Authors
Kathleen McKee, Cassandra Marie Smith, Kevin Reath, Eveanjelene Snee, Sean Maher, Robin S. Matoza, Simon A Carn, Larry G. Mastin, Kyle R. Anderson, David Damby, Diana Roman, Artem Degterev, Alexander Rybin, Marina Chibisova, Jelle D. Assink, Rodrigo de Negri Levia, Anna Perttu
Experimental design and data relevance in a volcanic ash-leachate health study: Letter to the Editor re. Barone et al. (2021) ‘Surface reactivity of Etna volcanic ash and evaluation of health risks’
No abstract available.
Authors
Carol Stewart, David Damby, Ines Tomasek, Claire J. Horwell
The structure and volume of large geysers in Yellowstone National Park, USA and the mineralogy and chemistry of their silica sinter deposits
Siliceous sinter is formed by biogenic and abiogenic opal deposition around hot springs and geysers. Using Structure-from-Motion photogrammetry we generated three-dimensional models of Giant and Castle Geysers from the Upper Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park. We use these models to calculate an approximate mass of sinter for each (~2 and ~ 5 kton, respectively) and estimate a range of plau
Authors
Dakota Churchill, Michael Manga, Shaul Hurwitz, Sara Peek, David Damby, Richard Conrey, John R. Wood, R. Blaine McCleskey, William E. Keller, Behnaz Hosseini, Jefferson D.G. Hungerford
Evaluating the state-of-the-art in remote volcanic eruption characterization Part II: Ulawun volcano, Papua New Guinea
Retrospective eruption characterization is valuable for advancing our understanding of volcanic systems and evaluating our observational capabilities, especially with remote technologies (defined here as a space-borne system or non-local, ground-based instrumentation which include regional and remote infrasound sensors). In June 2019, the open-system Ulawun volcano, Papua New Guinea, produced a VE
Authors
Kathleen McKee, Cassandra Marie Smith, Kevin Reath, Eveanjelene Snee, Sean Maher, Robin S. Matoza, Simon A Carn, Diana Roman, Larry G. Mastin, Kyle R. Anderson, David Damby, Ima Itikarai, Kila Mulina, Steve Saunders, Jelle D. Assink, Rodrigo de Negri Levia, Anna Perttu
Assessing the biological reactivity of organic compounds on volcanic ash: Implications for human health hazard
Exposure to volcanic ash is a long-standing health concern for people living near active volcanoes and in distal urban areas. During transport and deposition, ash is subjected to various physicochemical processes that may change its surface composition and, consequently, bioreactivity. One such process is the interaction with anthropogenic pollutants; however, the potential for adsorbed, deleterio
Authors
Ines Tomasek, David Damby, Daniele Andronico, Peter J. Baxter, Imke Boonen, Philippe Claeys, Michael S. Denison, Claire J. Horwell, Matthieu Kervyn, Ulrich Kueppers, Manolis N Romanias, Marc Elskens
Development of a simulated lung fluid leaching method to assess the release of potentially toxic elements from volcanic ash
Freshly erupted volcanic ash contains a range of soluble elements, some of which can generate harmful effects in living cells and are considered potentially toxic elements (PTEs). This work investigates the leaching dynamics of ash-associated PTEs in order to optimize a method for volcanic ash respiratory hazard assessment. Using three pristine (unaffected by precipitation) ash samples, we quantif
Authors
Ines Tomasek, David Damby, Carol Stewart, Claire J. Horwell, Geoffrey S. Plumlee, Christopher J Ottley, Pierre Delmelle, Suzette Morman, Sofian El Yazid, Philippe Claeys, Matthieu Kervyn, Marc Elskens, Martine Leermakers
Yellowstone's Old Faithful Geyser shut down by a severe 13th century drought
To characterize eruption activity of the iconic Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone National Park over past centuries, we obtained 41 new radiocarbon dates of mineralized wood preserved in the mound of silica that precipitated from erupted waters. Trees do not grow on active geyser mounds, implying that trees grew on the Old Faithful Geyser mound during a protracted period of eruption quiescence. R
Authors
Shaul Hurwitz, John King, Gregory T. Pederson, Justin Martin, David Damby, Michael Manga, Jefferson Hungerford, Sara Peek
Science and Products
- Data
Chemical and isotopic composition of gas, water, and solids from the 2019-2020 water lake in Halema’uma’u Crater, Kīlauea Volcano, Hawaii
Following the 2018 eruption of Kīlauea Volcano (Neal et al, 2019) and the subsequent collapse of the Halema’uma’u crater, groundwater gradually seeped into the newly-deepened crater (Nadeau and others, 2020). Water was first observed in the crater on 7/26/2019, and the water level increased over time until 12/20/2020, when the crater again filled with lava, vaporizing the lake. In the interveningGeochemical data for waters, rocks, sediments and biofilms from Rio Tinto, Spain
Rio Tinto, Spain, is an example of a fluvial system strongly influenced by acid rock and acid mine drainage. During the spring of 2018 and 2019, samples of stream waters and mine waters, biofilms, sediments and rocks, were collected in the field by Aubrey Zerkle. These samples were analyzed for comprehensive geochemistry, including Cr isotope geochemistry, anions and cations. Mineralogical analysiVolcanic ash leachate and rainwater chemistry from increased 2018 activity of Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii
In early May 2018, activity at Kilauea volcano, Hawaii, increased, with heightened ash production from the summit commencing on May 17. Volcanic ash can scavenge volatile components from volcanic plumes, resulting in the deposition of potentially harmful elements during ash fallout. Leaching of these species (e.g., by rainfall or in water catchment systems) can have implications for agriculture, w - Publications
Filter Total Items: 25
Estimates of volcanic mercury emissions from Redoubt Volcano, Augustine Volcano, and Mount Spurr eruption ash
Ash is a potential sink of volcanically sourced atmospheric mercury (Hg), and the concentration of particle-bound Hg may provide constraints on Hg emissions during eruptions. We analyze Hg concentrations in 227 bulk ash samples from the Mount Spurr (1992), Redoubt Volcano (2009), and Augustine Volcano (2006) volcanic eruptions to investigate large-scale spatial, temporal, and volcanic-source trendAuthorsD Skye Kushner, Taryn Lopez, Kristi L. Wallace, David Damby, Christoph Kern, Cheryl CameronHawai‘i residents’ perceptions of Kīlauea’s 2018 eruption information
The 2018 eruption of Kīlauea Volcano was notable for its variety of large and spatially distinct hazards, simultaneously affecting three geographically disparate, culturally diverse regions in Hawaiʻi. We conducted a pilot study, consisting of 18 semi-structured interviews, two survey responses, and several informal conversations with Hawaiʻi residents to learn which sources/messengers of eruptionAuthorsRobert T. Goldman, Wendy K. Stovall, David Damby, Sara McBrideA reappraisal of explosive–effusive silicic eruption dynamics: Syn-eruptive assembly of lava from the products of cryptic fragmentation
Silicic volcanic eruptions range in style from gently effusive to highly explosive, and may switch style unpredictably during a single eruption. Direct observations of subaerial rhyolitic eruptions (Chaiten 2008, Cordón Caulle 2011–2012, Chile) challenged long-standing paradigms of explosive and effusive eruptive styles and led to the formulation of new models of hybrid activity. However, the procAuthorsFabian Wadsworth, Edward W. Llewellin, Jonathan Castro, Hugh Tuffen, Ian Schipper, James E. Gardner, Annabelle Foster, Jeremie Vasseur, David Damby, Iona McIntosh, Sina Boettcher, Holly Unwin, Michael J. Heap, Jamie Farquharson, Donald B. Dingwell, Kayla Iacovino, Rebecca Paisley, Calvin Jones, Jack WhattamSpatial distribution and physicochemical properties of respirable volcanic ash from the 16-17 August 2006 Tungurahua eruption (Ecuador), and alveolar epithelium response in-vitro
Tungurahua volcano (Ecuador) intermittently emitted ash between 1999 and 2016, enduringly affecting the surrounding rural area and its population, but its health impact remains poorly documented. We aim to assess the respiratory health hazard posed by the 16–17 August 2006 most intense eruptive phase of Tungurahua. We mapped the spatial distribution of the health-relevant ash size fractions producAuthorsJulia Eychenne, Lucia Gurioli, David Damby, Corinne Belville, Federica Schiavi, Geoffroy Marceau, Claire Szczepaniak, Christelle Blavignac, Mickael Laumonier, Emmanuel Gardés, Jean-Luc Le Pennec, Jean-Marie Nedelec, Loic Blanchon, Vincent SapinVolcanic air pollution and human health: Recent advances and future directions
Volcanic air pollution from both explosive and effusive activity can affect large populations as far as thousands of kilometers away from the source, for days to decades or even centuries. Here, we summarize key advances and prospects in the assessment of health hazards, effects, risk, and management. Recent advances include standardized ash assessment methods to characterize the multiple physicocAuthorsCarol Stewart, David Damby, Claire J. Horwell, Tamar Elias, Evgenia Ilyinskaya, Ines Tomasek, Bernadette Longo, Anja Schmidt, Hanne Carlsen, Emily Mason, Peter J. Baxter, Shane Cronin, Claire WithamEvaluating the state-of-the-art in remote volcanic eruption characterization Part I: Raikoke volcano, Kuril Islands
Raikoke, a small, unmonitored volcano in the Kuril Islands, erupted in June 2019. We integrate data from satellites (including Sentinel-2, TROPOMI, MODIS, Himawari-8), the International Monitoring System (IMS) infrasound network, and global lightning detection network (GLD360) with information from local authorities and social media to retrospectively characterize the eruptive sequence and improveAuthorsKathleen McKee, Cassandra Marie Smith, Kevin Reath, Eveanjelene Snee, Sean Maher, Robin S. Matoza, Simon A Carn, Larry G. Mastin, Kyle R. Anderson, David Damby, Diana Roman, Artem Degterev, Alexander Rybin, Marina Chibisova, Jelle D. Assink, Rodrigo de Negri Levia, Anna PerttuExperimental design and data relevance in a volcanic ash-leachate health study: Letter to the Editor re. Barone et al. (2021) ‘Surface reactivity of Etna volcanic ash and evaluation of health risks’
No abstract available.AuthorsCarol Stewart, David Damby, Ines Tomasek, Claire J. HorwellThe structure and volume of large geysers in Yellowstone National Park, USA and the mineralogy and chemistry of their silica sinter deposits
Siliceous sinter is formed by biogenic and abiogenic opal deposition around hot springs and geysers. Using Structure-from-Motion photogrammetry we generated three-dimensional models of Giant and Castle Geysers from the Upper Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park. We use these models to calculate an approximate mass of sinter for each (~2 and ~ 5 kton, respectively) and estimate a range of plauAuthorsDakota Churchill, Michael Manga, Shaul Hurwitz, Sara Peek, David Damby, Richard Conrey, John R. Wood, R. Blaine McCleskey, William E. Keller, Behnaz Hosseini, Jefferson D.G. HungerfordEvaluating the state-of-the-art in remote volcanic eruption characterization Part II: Ulawun volcano, Papua New Guinea
Retrospective eruption characterization is valuable for advancing our understanding of volcanic systems and evaluating our observational capabilities, especially with remote technologies (defined here as a space-borne system or non-local, ground-based instrumentation which include regional and remote infrasound sensors). In June 2019, the open-system Ulawun volcano, Papua New Guinea, produced a VEAuthorsKathleen McKee, Cassandra Marie Smith, Kevin Reath, Eveanjelene Snee, Sean Maher, Robin S. Matoza, Simon A Carn, Diana Roman, Larry G. Mastin, Kyle R. Anderson, David Damby, Ima Itikarai, Kila Mulina, Steve Saunders, Jelle D. Assink, Rodrigo de Negri Levia, Anna PerttuAssessing the biological reactivity of organic compounds on volcanic ash: Implications for human health hazard
Exposure to volcanic ash is a long-standing health concern for people living near active volcanoes and in distal urban areas. During transport and deposition, ash is subjected to various physicochemical processes that may change its surface composition and, consequently, bioreactivity. One such process is the interaction with anthropogenic pollutants; however, the potential for adsorbed, deleterioAuthorsInes Tomasek, David Damby, Daniele Andronico, Peter J. Baxter, Imke Boonen, Philippe Claeys, Michael S. Denison, Claire J. Horwell, Matthieu Kervyn, Ulrich Kueppers, Manolis N Romanias, Marc ElskensDevelopment of a simulated lung fluid leaching method to assess the release of potentially toxic elements from volcanic ash
Freshly erupted volcanic ash contains a range of soluble elements, some of which can generate harmful effects in living cells and are considered potentially toxic elements (PTEs). This work investigates the leaching dynamics of ash-associated PTEs in order to optimize a method for volcanic ash respiratory hazard assessment. Using three pristine (unaffected by precipitation) ash samples, we quantifAuthorsInes Tomasek, David Damby, Carol Stewart, Claire J. Horwell, Geoffrey S. Plumlee, Christopher J Ottley, Pierre Delmelle, Suzette Morman, Sofian El Yazid, Philippe Claeys, Matthieu Kervyn, Marc Elskens, Martine LeermakersYellowstone's Old Faithful Geyser shut down by a severe 13th century drought
To characterize eruption activity of the iconic Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone National Park over past centuries, we obtained 41 new radiocarbon dates of mineralized wood preserved in the mound of silica that precipitated from erupted waters. Trees do not grow on active geyser mounds, implying that trees grew on the Old Faithful Geyser mound during a protracted period of eruption quiescence. RAuthorsShaul Hurwitz, John King, Gregory T. Pederson, Justin Martin, David Damby, Michael Manga, Jefferson Hungerford, Sara Peek - News