Kyle R. Anderson, Ph.D.
I am a geophysicist specializing in volcanic systems. I use monitoring data to better understand and forecast volcanic processes and hazards.
I work to understand volcanic systems by developing mathematical models which relate magma physics with monitoring data such as ground deformations and eruption rates. Model predictions can be compared with real-world observations using probabilistic statistical approaches, making it possible to constrain properties of volcanic systems such as the composition and volume of stored magma. These techniques can also be used in some cases to forecast future eruptive activity. I've worked most extensively at Mount St. Helens and Kīlauea volcanoes, but I'm interested in volcanoes and eruptions around the world.
Research Interests
- Physics of magma systems and volcanic eruptions
- Caldera collapse processes
- Episodic/cyclic eruptive behavior
- Volatiles in magma and influence on eruptive processes
- Rates of magma supply, storage, and eruption
- Ground deformation caused by magmatic processes
- Volcanic hazards assessments and forecasts
- Uncertainty quantification
Professional Experience
Research Geophysicist, USGS Volcano Science Center (California Volcano Observatory) (2015-present)
Mendenhall Postdoctoral Research Fellow, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (2012-2015)
Education and Certifications
PhD: Geophysics, Stanford University
MS: Geophysics, Stanford University
BA: Geology-Physics, Whitman College
Science and Products
Cyclic lava effusion during the 2018 eruption of Kilauea Volcano: data release
Versatile modeling of deformation (VMOD) inversion framework: Application to 20 years of observations at Westdahl Volcano and Fisher Caldera, Alaska, US
Pre-existing ground cracks as lava flow pathways at Kīlauea in 2014
Stress-driven recurrence and precursory moment-rate surge in caldera collapse earthquakes
Understanding the drivers of volcano deformation through geodetic model verification and validation
The 2018 eruption of Kīlauea: Insights, puzzles, and opportunities for volcano science
Ring fault creep drives volcano-tectonic seismicity during caldera collapse of Kīlauea in 2018
Coordinating science during an eruption: Lessons from the 2020–2021 Kīlauea volcanic eruption
Calibration of imperfect geophysical models by multiple satellite interferograms with measurement bias
Optimizing satellite resources for the global assessment and mitigation of volcanic hazards—Suggestions from the USGS Powell Center Volcano Remote Sensing Working Group
Incremental caldera collapse at Kīlauea Volcano recorded in ground tilt and high-rate GNSS data, with implications for collapse dynamics and the magma system
Could Kı̄lauea's 2020 post caldera-forming eruption have been anticipated?
Earthquake-derived seismic velocity changes during the 2018 caldera collapse of Kīlauea volcano
Non-USGS Publications**
**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
Cyclic lava effusion during the 2018 eruption of Kilauea Volcano: data release
Versatile modeling of deformation (VMOD) inversion framework: Application to 20 years of observations at Westdahl Volcano and Fisher Caldera, Alaska, US
Pre-existing ground cracks as lava flow pathways at Kīlauea in 2014
Stress-driven recurrence and precursory moment-rate surge in caldera collapse earthquakes
Understanding the drivers of volcano deformation through geodetic model verification and validation
The 2018 eruption of Kīlauea: Insights, puzzles, and opportunities for volcano science
Ring fault creep drives volcano-tectonic seismicity during caldera collapse of Kīlauea in 2018
Coordinating science during an eruption: Lessons from the 2020–2021 Kīlauea volcanic eruption
Calibration of imperfect geophysical models by multiple satellite interferograms with measurement bias
Optimizing satellite resources for the global assessment and mitigation of volcanic hazards—Suggestions from the USGS Powell Center Volcano Remote Sensing Working Group
Incremental caldera collapse at Kīlauea Volcano recorded in ground tilt and high-rate GNSS data, with implications for collapse dynamics and the magma system
Could Kı̄lauea's 2020 post caldera-forming eruption have been anticipated?
Earthquake-derived seismic velocity changes during the 2018 caldera collapse of Kīlauea volcano
Non-USGS Publications**
**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.