Hannah R. Dietterich, Ph.D.
Hannah works on eruption dynamics, remote sensing, and quantitative volcanic hazard assessment at the USGS Alaska Volcano Observatory in Anchorage, AK.
Hannah Dietterich is a Research Geophysicist at the U.S. Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory. Her work focuses on the physics of volcanic processes, remote sensing of volcanic activity, numerical modeling of volcanic hazards, and probabilistic volcanic hazard assessment. She integrates geologic mapping, physical volcanology, remote sensing, and numerical modeling with observations of ongoing eruptions to advance our understanding of volcanic hazards.
Professional Experience
2018–present, Research Geophysicist, USGS Alaska Volcano Observatory, Anchorage, AK
2015–2018, Research Geologist (postdoc), USGS Volcano Science Center, Menlo Park, CA
2014–2014, Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR and University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
2013–2014, Graduate Teaching Fellow, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR
2010–2013, NSF Graduate Research Fellow, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR
2009–2010, Graduate Teaching Fellow, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR
Education and Certifications
University of Oregon: Ph.D. (2014), Geological Sciences
Pomona College: B.A. (2009), Geology
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 43
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 E. Cameron, Tim R. Orr, James P. Dixon, Hannah R. Dietterich, Christopher F. Waythomas, Alexandra M. Iezzi, John A. Power, Cheryl Searcy, Ronni Grapenthin, Gabrielle Tepp, Kristi L. Wallace, Taryn M. Lopez, Kimberly Degrandpre, John M. Perreault
Coordinating science during an eruption: Lessons from the 2020–2021 Kīlauea volcanic eruption Coordinating science during an eruption: Lessons from the 2020–2021 Kīlauea volcanic eruption
Data collected during well-observed eruptions can lead to dramatic increases in our understanding of volcanic processes. However, the necessary prioritization of public safety and hazard mitigation during a crisis means that scientific opportunities may be sacrificed. Thus, maximizing the scientific gains from eruptions requires improved planning and coordinating science activities among
Authors
Kari M. Cooper, Kyle R. Anderson, Kathy Cashman, Michelle L. Coombs, Hannah R. Dietterich, Tobias Fischer, Bruce F. Houghton, Ingrid A. Johanson, Kendra J. Lynn, Michael Manga, Christelle Wauthier
Lava fountain jet noise during the 2018 eruption of fissure 8 of Kīlauea volcano Lava fountain jet noise during the 2018 eruption of fissure 8 of Kīlauea volcano
Real-time monitoring is crucial to assess hazards and mitigate risks of sustained volcanic eruptions that last hours to months or more. Sustained eruptions have been shown to produce a low frequency (infrasonic) form of jet noise. We analyze the lava fountaining at fissure 8 during the 2018 Lower East Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea volcano, Hawaii, and connect changes in fountain...
Authors
Julia Gestrich, David Fee, Robin Matoza, John J. Lyons, Hannah R. Dietterich, Valerie Cigala, Ulrich Kueppers, Matthew R. Patrick, Carolyn Parcheta
Toward next-generation lava flow forecasting: Development of a fast, physics-based lava propagation model Toward next-generation lava flow forecasting: Development of a fast, physics-based lava propagation model
During effusive volcanic crises, the eruption and propagation of lava flows pose a significant hazard to nearby populations, homes, and infrastructure. Consequently, timely lava flow forecasts are a critical need for volcano observatory and emergency management operations. Previous lava flow modeling tools are typically either too slow to produce timely forecasts, or are fast, but lack...
Authors
David M.R. Hyman, Hannah R. Dietterich, Matthew R. Patrick
Can lava flow like water? Assessing applications of critical flow theory to channelized basaltic lava flows Can lava flow like water? Assessing applications of critical flow theory to channelized basaltic lava flows
Flowing lava and water have dramatically different physical properties but can form similar hydraulic structures, including undular hydraulic jumps, or standing wave trains. In water flows, undular hydraulic jumps are evidence of critical flow (Froude number ∼1) and open-channel hydraulic theory provides a powerful tool for estimating flow depth and velocity. Monitoring these parameters...
Authors
Hannah R. Dietterich, Gordon E. Grant, Becky Fasth, J. J. Major, Katharine V. Cashman
Quantifying large-scale surface change using SAR amplitude images: Crater morphology changes during the 2019-2020 Shishaldin Volcano eruption Quantifying large-scale surface change using SAR amplitude images: Crater morphology changes during the 2019-2020 Shishaldin Volcano eruption
Morphological processes often induce meter-scale elevation changes. When a volcano erupts, tracking such processes provides insights into the style and evolution of eruptive activity and related hazards. Compared to optical remote-sensing products, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) observes surface change during inclement weather and at night. Differential SAR interferometry estimates phase...
Authors
Mario Angarita, Ronni Grapenthin, Simon Plank, Franz Meyer, Hannah R. Dietterich
Non-USGS Publications**
Dietterich, H. R., Soule, S. A., Cashman, K. V. and Mackey, B. H. (2015) Lava Flows in 3D, in Hawaiian Volcanoes: From Source to Surface (eds R. Carey, V. Cayol, M. Poland and D. Weis), John Wiley & Sons, Inc, Hoboken, NJ. doi: 10.1002/9781118872079.ch22
Dietterich, H. R., and K. V. Cashman (2014), Channel networks within lava flows: Formation, evolution, and implications for flow behavior, J. Geophys. Res. Earth Surf., 119, 1704–1724, doi:10.1002/2014JF003103.
Cashman, K. V., S. A. Soule, B. H. Mackey, N. I. Deligne, N. Deardorff, and H. R. Dietterich, (2013), How lava flows: New insights from applications of lidar technologies to lava flow studies, Geosphere, 9, 1664-1680, doi:10.1130/GES00706.1.
Dietterich, H.R., and S. L. de Silva (2010), Sulfur yield of the 1600 eruption of Huaynaputina determined by apatite compositions, Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 197, 303-312, doi:10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2010.01.003.
**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.
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 43
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 E. Cameron, Tim R. Orr, James P. Dixon, Hannah R. Dietterich, Christopher F. Waythomas, Alexandra M. Iezzi, John A. Power, Cheryl Searcy, Ronni Grapenthin, Gabrielle Tepp, Kristi L. Wallace, Taryn M. Lopez, Kimberly Degrandpre, John M. Perreault
Coordinating science during an eruption: Lessons from the 2020–2021 Kīlauea volcanic eruption Coordinating science during an eruption: Lessons from the 2020–2021 Kīlauea volcanic eruption
Data collected during well-observed eruptions can lead to dramatic increases in our understanding of volcanic processes. However, the necessary prioritization of public safety and hazard mitigation during a crisis means that scientific opportunities may be sacrificed. Thus, maximizing the scientific gains from eruptions requires improved planning and coordinating science activities among
Authors
Kari M. Cooper, Kyle R. Anderson, Kathy Cashman, Michelle L. Coombs, Hannah R. Dietterich, Tobias Fischer, Bruce F. Houghton, Ingrid A. Johanson, Kendra J. Lynn, Michael Manga, Christelle Wauthier
Lava fountain jet noise during the 2018 eruption of fissure 8 of Kīlauea volcano Lava fountain jet noise during the 2018 eruption of fissure 8 of Kīlauea volcano
Real-time monitoring is crucial to assess hazards and mitigate risks of sustained volcanic eruptions that last hours to months or more. Sustained eruptions have been shown to produce a low frequency (infrasonic) form of jet noise. We analyze the lava fountaining at fissure 8 during the 2018 Lower East Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea volcano, Hawaii, and connect changes in fountain...
Authors
Julia Gestrich, David Fee, Robin Matoza, John J. Lyons, Hannah R. Dietterich, Valerie Cigala, Ulrich Kueppers, Matthew R. Patrick, Carolyn Parcheta
Toward next-generation lava flow forecasting: Development of a fast, physics-based lava propagation model Toward next-generation lava flow forecasting: Development of a fast, physics-based lava propagation model
During effusive volcanic crises, the eruption and propagation of lava flows pose a significant hazard to nearby populations, homes, and infrastructure. Consequently, timely lava flow forecasts are a critical need for volcano observatory and emergency management operations. Previous lava flow modeling tools are typically either too slow to produce timely forecasts, or are fast, but lack...
Authors
David M.R. Hyman, Hannah R. Dietterich, Matthew R. Patrick
Can lava flow like water? Assessing applications of critical flow theory to channelized basaltic lava flows Can lava flow like water? Assessing applications of critical flow theory to channelized basaltic lava flows
Flowing lava and water have dramatically different physical properties but can form similar hydraulic structures, including undular hydraulic jumps, or standing wave trains. In water flows, undular hydraulic jumps are evidence of critical flow (Froude number ∼1) and open-channel hydraulic theory provides a powerful tool for estimating flow depth and velocity. Monitoring these parameters...
Authors
Hannah R. Dietterich, Gordon E. Grant, Becky Fasth, J. J. Major, Katharine V. Cashman
Quantifying large-scale surface change using SAR amplitude images: Crater morphology changes during the 2019-2020 Shishaldin Volcano eruption Quantifying large-scale surface change using SAR amplitude images: Crater morphology changes during the 2019-2020 Shishaldin Volcano eruption
Morphological processes often induce meter-scale elevation changes. When a volcano erupts, tracking such processes provides insights into the style and evolution of eruptive activity and related hazards. Compared to optical remote-sensing products, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) observes surface change during inclement weather and at night. Differential SAR interferometry estimates phase...
Authors
Mario Angarita, Ronni Grapenthin, Simon Plank, Franz Meyer, Hannah R. Dietterich
Non-USGS Publications**
Dietterich, H. R., Soule, S. A., Cashman, K. V. and Mackey, B. H. (2015) Lava Flows in 3D, in Hawaiian Volcanoes: From Source to Surface (eds R. Carey, V. Cayol, M. Poland and D. Weis), John Wiley & Sons, Inc, Hoboken, NJ. doi: 10.1002/9781118872079.ch22
Dietterich, H. R., and K. V. Cashman (2014), Channel networks within lava flows: Formation, evolution, and implications for flow behavior, J. Geophys. Res. Earth Surf., 119, 1704–1724, doi:10.1002/2014JF003103.
Cashman, K. V., S. A. Soule, B. H. Mackey, N. I. Deligne, N. Deardorff, and H. R. Dietterich, (2013), How lava flows: New insights from applications of lidar technologies to lava flow studies, Geosphere, 9, 1664-1680, doi:10.1130/GES00706.1.
Dietterich, H.R., and S. L. de Silva (2010), Sulfur yield of the 1600 eruption of Huaynaputina determined by apatite compositions, Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 197, 303-312, doi:10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2010.01.003.
**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.