Large lahars (volcanic mudflows) pose substantial threats to people and property downstream from Mount Rainier, Washington. Lahars can occur during an eruption, as happened at Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980. Lahars can also begin as large landslides that occur without warning, traveling down river channels to densely populated areas downstream.
Elizabeth Westby
As a geologist and communications specialist at the Cascades Volcano Observatory, I focus on volcano hazards awareness, preparedness, and science learning by developing education and outreach materials, conducting group trainings and teacher workshops, participating in community outreach events, responding to the media, and writing social media for USGS Volcanoes.
Professional Experience
USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory 2011-present
Prior professional experience in the legal field
Education and Certifications
M.S. Geology, Portland State University
B.S. Geology, Portland State University
B.A. Economics, University of Washington
Science and Products
Historical video footage of Mount St. Helens volcano, Washington, 1980-1982
Large lahars (volcanic mudflows) pose substantial threats to people and property downstream from Mount Rainier, Washington. Lahars can occur during an eruption, as happened at Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980. Lahars can also begin as large landslides that occur without warning, traveling down river channels to densely populated areas downstream.
USGS geologist Dan Dzurisin is near Sisters, in Central Oregon, to set up portable GPS monitoring equipment to track something that's been going on for 25 years and still goes on today. It’s uplift, a subtle rise in the ground’s surface, in an area west of South Sister volcano.
USGS geologist Dan Dzurisin is near Sisters, in Central Oregon, to set up portable GPS monitoring equipment to track something that's been going on for 25 years and still goes on today. It’s uplift, a subtle rise in the ground’s surface, in an area west of South Sister volcano.
A seismologist with the Cascades Volcano Observatory checks the data output on a newly installed monitoring station at Mount Rainier.
A seismologist with the Cascades Volcano Observatory checks the data output on a newly installed monitoring station at Mount Rainier.
Seismic and infrasound station PARA, installed October 6-8, 2020 at Mount Rainier.
Seismic and infrasound station PARA, installed October 6-8, 2020 at Mount Rainier.
A geophysicist from the Cascades Volcano Observatory notes the location of a newly buried seismometer at station PARA, on Mount Rainier.
A geophysicist from the Cascades Volcano Observatory notes the location of a newly buried seismometer at station PARA, on Mount Rainier.
NAGT intern Emily Bryant installs one of three infrasound sensors at volcano monitoring station PARA, at Mount Rainier.
NAGT intern Emily Bryant installs one of three infrasound sensors at volcano monitoring station PARA, at Mount Rainier.
The sun rises at Mount St. Helens (pictured in the distance), with low-level clouds covering Coldwater Lake. The view is from the Coldwater Science and Learning Center, the site of the 2018 GeoGirls field camp program.
The sun rises at Mount St. Helens (pictured in the distance), with low-level clouds covering Coldwater Lake. The view is from the Coldwater Science and Learning Center, the site of the 2018 GeoGirls field camp program.
The GeoGirls examined tephra (ash and pumice) deposits from Mount St. Helens’ eruptive past and learned how to create a stratigraphic column.
The GeoGirls examined tephra (ash and pumice) deposits from Mount St. Helens’ eruptive past and learned how to create a stratigraphic column.
GeoGirls collect water quality data at Coldwater Lake and sieve landslide deposits to learn more about the impact of the 1980 eruption and the transport of volcanic sediment.
GeoGirls collect water quality data at Coldwater Lake and sieve landslide deposits to learn more about the impact of the 1980 eruption and the transport of volcanic sediment.
GeoGirls use ground-penetrating radar to locate rock and ash layers from past eruptions at Mount St. Helens (Mount Adams is pictured in the background).
GeoGirls use ground-penetrating radar to locate rock and ash layers from past eruptions at Mount St. Helens (Mount Adams is pictured in the background).
A balloon and simple point-and-shoot camera is used to collect digital images that are stitched together to build a 3D elevation model of the landscape.
A balloon and simple point-and-shoot camera is used to collect digital images that are stitched together to build a 3D elevation model of the landscape.
GeoGirls learn about how the May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens impacted the ecology of the area.
GeoGirls learn about how the May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens impacted the ecology of the area.
At the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory Electronics Lab, technicians build, test, and prepare scientific instruments to be deployed for monitoring volcanoes worldwide.
At the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory Electronics Lab, technicians build, test, and prepare scientific instruments to be deployed for monitoring volcanoes worldwide.
Seismometers (instruments for recording earthquakes) are tested and fitted at the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory before going out into the field.
Seismometers (instruments for recording earthquakes) are tested and fitted at the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory before going out into the field.
The Volcano Distater Assistance Program (VDAP) maintains an equipment cache located at the USGSS Cascades Volcano Observatory. The volcano monitoring equipment can be rapidly deployed worldwide when needed.
The Volcano Distater Assistance Program (VDAP) maintains an equipment cache located at the USGSS Cascades Volcano Observatory. The volcano monitoring equipment can be rapidly deployed worldwide when needed.
Dr. Kenneth Pierce studied the geology and geomorphology of the greater Yellowstone area for nearly his entire career with the U.S. Geological Survey. From 1965 to present, Dr.
Dr. Kenneth Pierce studied the geology and geomorphology of the greater Yellowstone area for nearly his entire career with the U.S. Geological Survey. From 1965 to present, Dr.
Dr. Kenneth Pierce studied the geology and geomorphology of the greater Yellowstone area for nearly his entire career with the U.S. Geological Survey. From 1965 to present, Dr.
Dr. Kenneth Pierce studied the geology and geomorphology of the greater Yellowstone area for nearly his entire career with the U.S. Geological Survey. From 1965 to present, Dr.
A photograph of Mount St. Helens, as viewed from Elk Rock on January 18, 2014.
A photograph of Mount St. Helens, as viewed from Elk Rock on January 18, 2014.
One of the most tragic volcanic events of the 20th century occurred in Colombia, in 1985, when an eruption of Nevado del Ruiz produced lahars that swept down river valleys and destroyed communities in its path. Over 20,000 people perished.
One of the most tragic volcanic events of the 20th century occurred in Colombia, in 1985, when an eruption of Nevado del Ruiz produced lahars that swept down river valleys and destroyed communities in its path. Over 20,000 people perished.
The video shows time-lapse changes in the lava dome and Crater Glacier from 2004-2012. The images were created from 1:12,000 scale vertical aerial photographs combined with ground control points from campaign GPS and targets. Photogrammetry software was used to collect a 3-D point cloud and combined to make a digital elevation model (DEM).
The video shows time-lapse changes in the lava dome and Crater Glacier from 2004-2012. The images were created from 1:12,000 scale vertical aerial photographs combined with ground control points from campaign GPS and targets. Photogrammetry software was used to collect a 3-D point cloud and combined to make a digital elevation model (DEM).
The rapid onset of unrest at Mount St. Helens on September 23, 2004 initiated an uninterrupted lava-dome-building eruption that continued until 2008. The initial phase produced rapid growth of a lava dome as magma pushed upward.
The rapid onset of unrest at Mount St. Helens on September 23, 2004 initiated an uninterrupted lava-dome-building eruption that continued until 2008. The initial phase produced rapid growth of a lava dome as magma pushed upward.
Lawetlat'la—Mount St. Helens—Land in transformation
It begins with curiosity—How do scientists learn from volcanoes?
Officially social: Developing a social media crisis communication strategy for USGS Volcanoes during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption
Volcano, earthquake, and tsunami hazards of the Cascadia Subduction Zone
Ten ways Mount St. Helens changed our world—The enduring legacy of the 1980 eruption
USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory news media management guide — General protocols and templates
Living with volcano hazards
30 cool facts about Mount St. Helens
Science and Products
- Data
Historical video footage of Mount St. Helens volcano, Washington, 1980-1982
This data release contains digital video files from the USGS of Mount St. Helens volcano in the months leading up to the cataclysmic eruption on May 18, 1980 as well as the first two years of the eruption. Original videos were collected on an assortment of cameras and film types, including 16 mm, 8 mm and Super 8 mm during USGS field campaigns on the ground as well as from the air and on time-laps - Multimedia
Filter Total Items: 24Mount Rainier Lahars: Hazards for the Puyallup and Nisqually River DrainagesMount Rainier Lahars: Hazards for the Puyallup and Nisqually River DrainagesMount Rainier Lahars: Hazards for the Puyallup and Nisqually River Drainages
Large lahars (volcanic mudflows) pose substantial threats to people and property downstream from Mount Rainier, Washington. Lahars can occur during an eruption, as happened at Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980. Lahars can also begin as large landslides that occur without warning, traveling down river channels to densely populated areas downstream.
Large lahars (volcanic mudflows) pose substantial threats to people and property downstream from Mount Rainier, Washington. Lahars can occur during an eruption, as happened at Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980. Lahars can also begin as large landslides that occur without warning, traveling down river channels to densely populated areas downstream.
Tracking uplift near Three Sisters volcanoes, using semi-permanent GPS instrumentsTracking uplift near Three Sisters volcanoes, using semi-permanent GPS instrumentsTracking uplift near Three Sisters volcanoes, using semi-permanent GPS instrumentsUSGS geologist Dan Dzurisin is near Sisters, in Central Oregon, to set up portable GPS monitoring equipment to track something that's been going on for 25 years and still goes on today. It’s uplift, a subtle rise in the ground’s surface, in an area west of South Sister volcano.
USGS geologist Dan Dzurisin is near Sisters, in Central Oregon, to set up portable GPS monitoring equipment to track something that's been going on for 25 years and still goes on today. It’s uplift, a subtle rise in the ground’s surface, in an area west of South Sister volcano.
Geophysicist checks data output at Mount Rainier stationGeophysicist checks data output at Mount Rainier stationA seismologist with the Cascades Volcano Observatory checks the data output on a newly installed monitoring station at Mount Rainier.
A seismologist with the Cascades Volcano Observatory checks the data output on a newly installed monitoring station at Mount Rainier.
Mount Rainier's seismic and infrasound station PARAMount Rainier's seismic and infrasound station PARASeismic and infrasound station PARA, installed October 6-8, 2020 at Mount Rainier.
Seismic and infrasound station PARA, installed October 6-8, 2020 at Mount Rainier.
A geophysicist notes location of new seismometer at Mount RainierA geophysicist notes location of new seismometer at Mount RainierA geophysicist from the Cascades Volcano Observatory notes the location of a newly buried seismometer at station PARA, on Mount Rainier.
A geophysicist from the Cascades Volcano Observatory notes the location of a newly buried seismometer at station PARA, on Mount Rainier.
NAGT intern installs infrasound sensors at Mount RainierNAGT intern installs infrasound sensors at Mount RainierNAGT intern Emily Bryant installs one of three infrasound sensors at volcano monitoring station PARA, at Mount Rainier.
NAGT intern Emily Bryant installs one of three infrasound sensors at volcano monitoring station PARA, at Mount Rainier.
Sunrise at Mount St. HelensThe sun rises at Mount St. Helens (pictured in the distance), with low-level clouds covering Coldwater Lake. The view is from the Coldwater Science and Learning Center, the site of the 2018 GeoGirls field camp program.
The sun rises at Mount St. Helens (pictured in the distance), with low-level clouds covering Coldwater Lake. The view is from the Coldwater Science and Learning Center, the site of the 2018 GeoGirls field camp program.
GeoGirls Examing Tephra DepositsThe GeoGirls examined tephra (ash and pumice) deposits from Mount St. Helens’ eruptive past and learned how to create a stratigraphic column.
The GeoGirls examined tephra (ash and pumice) deposits from Mount St. Helens’ eruptive past and learned how to create a stratigraphic column.
Collecting water quality data at Coldwater LakeGeoGirls collect water quality data at Coldwater Lake and sieve landslide deposits to learn more about the impact of the 1980 eruption and the transport of volcanic sediment.
GeoGirls collect water quality data at Coldwater Lake and sieve landslide deposits to learn more about the impact of the 1980 eruption and the transport of volcanic sediment.
GeoGirls use ground-penetrating radarGeoGirls use ground-penetrating radar to locate rock and ash layers from past eruptions at Mount St. Helens (Mount Adams is pictured in the background).
GeoGirls use ground-penetrating radar to locate rock and ash layers from past eruptions at Mount St. Helens (Mount Adams is pictured in the background).
Balloon MappingA balloon and simple point-and-shoot camera is used to collect digital images that are stitched together to build a 3D elevation model of the landscape.
A balloon and simple point-and-shoot camera is used to collect digital images that are stitched together to build a 3D elevation model of the landscape.
GeoGirls learn about the eruption of Mount St. HelensGeoGirls learn about the eruption of Mount St. HelensGeoGirls learn about how the May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens impacted the ecology of the area.
GeoGirls learn about how the May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens impacted the ecology of the area.
Cascades Volcano Observatory Electronics LabAt the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory Electronics Lab, technicians build, test, and prepare scientific instruments to be deployed for monitoring volcanoes worldwide.
At the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory Electronics Lab, technicians build, test, and prepare scientific instruments to be deployed for monitoring volcanoes worldwide.
USGS SeismometerSeismometers (instruments for recording earthquakes) are tested and fitted at the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory before going out into the field.
Seismometers (instruments for recording earthquakes) are tested and fitted at the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory before going out into the field.
Volcano Monitoring Equipment CacheThe Volcano Distater Assistance Program (VDAP) maintains an equipment cache located at the USGSS Cascades Volcano Observatory. The volcano monitoring equipment can be rapidly deployed worldwide when needed.
The Volcano Distater Assistance Program (VDAP) maintains an equipment cache located at the USGSS Cascades Volcano Observatory. The volcano monitoring equipment can be rapidly deployed worldwide when needed.
Inside USGS, No. 6, Ken Pierce, Heavy Breathing of Yellowstone CalderaInside USGS, No. 6, Ken Pierce, Heavy Breathing of Yellowstone CalderaInside USGS, No. 6, Ken Pierce, Heavy Breathing of Yellowstone CalderaDr. Kenneth Pierce studied the geology and geomorphology of the greater Yellowstone area for nearly his entire career with the U.S. Geological Survey. From 1965 to present, Dr.
Dr. Kenneth Pierce studied the geology and geomorphology of the greater Yellowstone area for nearly his entire career with the U.S. Geological Survey. From 1965 to present, Dr.
Inside USGS, No. 5, Pleistocene Glaciations of Greater YellowstoneInside USGS, No. 5, Pleistocene Glaciations of Greater YellowstoneInside USGS, No. 5, Pleistocene Glaciations of Greater YellowstoneDr. Kenneth Pierce studied the geology and geomorphology of the greater Yellowstone area for nearly his entire career with the U.S. Geological Survey. From 1965 to present, Dr.
Dr. Kenneth Pierce studied the geology and geomorphology of the greater Yellowstone area for nearly his entire career with the U.S. Geological Survey. From 1965 to present, Dr.
Mount St. Helens, as viewed from Elk Rock.A photograph of Mount St. Helens, as viewed from Elk Rock on January 18, 2014.
A photograph of Mount St. Helens, as viewed from Elk Rock on January 18, 2014.
Colombia–USA Bi-national ExchangeOne of the most tragic volcanic events of the 20th century occurred in Colombia, in 1985, when an eruption of Nevado del Ruiz produced lahars that swept down river valleys and destroyed communities in its path. Over 20,000 people perished.
One of the most tragic volcanic events of the 20th century occurred in Colombia, in 1985, when an eruption of Nevado del Ruiz produced lahars that swept down river valleys and destroyed communities in its path. Over 20,000 people perished.
Time-series of dome & glacier growth at Mount St. Helens, WATime-series of dome & glacier growth at Mount St. Helens, WATime-series of dome & glacier growth at Mount St. Helens, WAThe video shows time-lapse changes in the lava dome and Crater Glacier from 2004-2012. The images were created from 1:12,000 scale vertical aerial photographs combined with ground control points from campaign GPS and targets. Photogrammetry software was used to collect a 3-D point cloud and combined to make a digital elevation model (DEM).
The video shows time-lapse changes in the lava dome and Crater Glacier from 2004-2012. The images were created from 1:12,000 scale vertical aerial photographs combined with ground control points from campaign GPS and targets. Photogrammetry software was used to collect a 3-D point cloud and combined to make a digital elevation model (DEM).
Time-lapse images of Mount St. Helens dome growth 2004-2008Time-lapse images of Mount St. Helens dome growth 2004-2008Time-lapse images of Mount St. Helens dome growth 2004-2008The rapid onset of unrest at Mount St. Helens on September 23, 2004 initiated an uninterrupted lava-dome-building eruption that continued until 2008. The initial phase produced rapid growth of a lava dome as magma pushed upward.
The rapid onset of unrest at Mount St. Helens on September 23, 2004 initiated an uninterrupted lava-dome-building eruption that continued until 2008. The initial phase produced rapid growth of a lava dome as magma pushed upward.
- Publications
Lawetlat'la—Mount St. Helens—Land in transformation
This poster provides an overview of Mount St. Helens’ eruption history and emphasizes the continuous transformation of the volcanic landscape and its ecosystems. After each eruption, the landscape and ecosystems are not so much restored as they are morphed into new forms and patterns.AuthorsCarolyn L. Driedger, Alysa Adams, Michael A. Clynne, Kristi Cochrane, Abi Groskopf, Emma Johnson, Heather Monti, Elizabeth WestbyIt begins with curiosity—How do scientists learn from volcanoes?
This poster uses photographs of scientists in action to introduce the principles of critical thinking and curiosity-driven science as they relate to the study of volcanoes. Captions align with educational “Next Generation Science Standards” and include job titles and tasks to increase career awareness among students and their teachers. The poster is available in both English and Spanish.AuthorsElizabeth G. Westby, Lisa M. FaustOfficially social: Developing a social media crisis communication strategy for USGS Volcanoes during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption
The USGS Volcano Science Center has a long history of science and crisis communication about volcanoes and their eruptions. Centered mainly on websites, email notifications, traditional media, and in-person interaction in the past, our toolkit has expanded in the last decade to include social media channels. This medium has allowed us to communicate with both long-standing and new audiences in newAuthorsWendy K. Stovall, Jessica L. Ball, Elizabeth G. Westby, M. Poland, Aleeza Wilkins, Katherine M. MullikenVolcano, earthquake, and tsunami hazards of the Cascadia Subduction Zone
Subduction zones produce some of Earth’s most devastating geological events. Recent eruptions of Mount St. Helens and great earthquakes and tsunamis in Japan and Sumatra provide stark examples of the destructive power of subduction-related hazards. In the Cascadia subduction zone, large earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions have occurred in the past and geologic records imply that these evAuthorsElizabeth G. Westby, Andrew J Meigs, Chris GoldfingerTen ways Mount St. Helens changed our world—The enduring legacy of the 1980 eruption
Mount St. Helens was once enjoyed for its serene beauty and was considered one of America’s most majestic volcanoes because of its perfect cone shape, similar to Japan’s beloved Mount Fuji. Nearby residents assumed that the mountain was solid and enduring. That perception changed during the early spring of 1980. Then, on May 18, 1980, following 2 months of earthquakes and small explosions, the volAuthorsCarolyn L. Driedger, Jon J. Major, John S. Pallister, Michael A. Clynne, Seth C. Moran, Elizabeth G. Westby, John W. EwertUSGS Cascades Volcano Observatory news media management guide — General protocols and templates
This guide describes general protocols and provides templates for news media management at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Cascades Volcano Observatory (CVO) and is intended for use by the CVO scientist-in-charge, communications staff, scientists, and guest communications colleagues. This public version, with CVO names and contact information removed, may be useful to other agencies developing tAuthorsCarolyn L. Driedger, Elizabeth G. WestbyLiving with volcano hazards
Volcanic eruptions are among Earth’s most dramatic and powerful agents of change. Ash, mudflows, and lava flows can devastate communities near volcanoes and cause havoc in areas far downwind, downstream, and downslope. Even when a volcano is quiet, steep volcanic slopes can collapse to become landslides, and large rocks can be hurled by powerful steam blasts. Hazardous volcanic conditions might laAuthorsWendy K. Stovall, Carolyn L. Driedger, Elizabeth G. Westby, Lisa M. Faust30 cool facts about Mount St. Helens
Commemorating the 30th anniversary of the 1980 eruptions of Mount St. Helens.AuthorsCarolyn Driedger, Westby Liz, Lisa Faust, Peter Frenzen, Jeanne Bennett, Michael Clynne - News
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