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 Kīlauea Volcano
Magma reservoir failure and the onset of caldera collapse at Kīlauea volcano in 2018
Partly cloudy with a chance of lava flows: Forecasting volcanic eruptions in the 21st century
Mechanics of inflationary deformation during Caldera collapse: Evidence from the 2018 Kīlauea Eruption
Physicochemical models of effusive rhyolitic eruptions constrained with InSAR and DEM data: A case study of the 2011-2012 Cordon Caulle eruption
A cautionary tale of topography and tilt from Kilauea Caldera
The 2018 rift eruption and summit collapse of Kilauea Volcano
Eruptions in sync: Improved constraints on Kīlauea Volcano's hydraulic connection
Decaying lava extrusion rate at El Reventador Volcano, Ecuador measured using high-resolution satellite radar
Constraining the magmatic system at Mount St. Helens (2004–2008) using Bayesian inversion with physics-based models including gas escape and crystallization
Abundant carbon in the mantle beneath Hawai`i
The 2014 annual report for the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
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 Kīlauea Volcano
Magma reservoir failure and the onset of caldera collapse at Kīlauea volcano in 2018
Partly cloudy with a chance of lava flows: Forecasting volcanic eruptions in the 21st century
Mechanics of inflationary deformation during Caldera collapse: Evidence from the 2018 Kīlauea Eruption
Physicochemical models of effusive rhyolitic eruptions constrained with InSAR and DEM data: A case study of the 2011-2012 Cordon Caulle eruption
A cautionary tale of topography and tilt from Kilauea Caldera
The 2018 rift eruption and summit collapse of Kilauea Volcano
Eruptions in sync: Improved constraints on Kīlauea Volcano's hydraulic connection
Decaying lava extrusion rate at El Reventador Volcano, Ecuador measured using high-resolution satellite radar
Constraining the magmatic system at Mount St. Helens (2004–2008) using Bayesian inversion with physics-based models including gas escape and crystallization
Abundant carbon in the mantle beneath Hawai`i
The 2014 annual report for the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
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.