Front cover of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory 2022 annual report, which includes a summary of earthquake, deformation, and geyser activity, as well as research investigations and other information.
Michael Poland
Mike Poland is a research geophysicist with the Cascades Volcano Observatory and the current Scientist-in-Charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory.
Mike's area of specialization is volcano geodesy, which emphasizes the surface deformation and gravity fields associated with volcanic activity. This work involves the use of space-based technologies, like Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR), as well as ground-based techniques, like microgravity surveys. Mike has taken part in studies on a variety of volcanic systems in the United States, including Mount St. Helens and other volcanoes of the Pacific Northwest, Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes in Hawaii, and the Yellowstone caldera. His recent work has focused on using gravity change over time to understand the character of the fluids that drive volcanic unrest, and also on the potential of satellite data to improve forecasts of future changes in volcanic activity.
Professional Experience
U.S. Geological Survey - Yellowstone Volcano Observatory: Scientist-in-Charge (2017 - present)
U.S. Geological Survey – Cascades Volcano Observatory: Research Geophysicist (2015 - present)
U.S. Geological Survey – Hawaiian Volcano Observatory: Research Geophysicist (2005 - 2015)
U.S. Geological Survey – Cascades Volcano Observatory: Research Geophysicist (2002 - 2005)
Department of Geology, Clark College (Vancouver, Washington): Instructor (2004)
Arizona State University, Department of Geological Sciences: Graduate Teaching/Research Assoc. (1997 - 2001)
Education and Certifications
Arizona State University: Ph.D. (2001), Geological Sciences
University of California, Davis: B.S. (1997), Geology
Affiliations and Memberships*
American Geophysical Union (AGU)
Geological Society of America (GSA)
International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior (IAVCEI)
Honors and Awards
Fellow, Geological Society of America, 2021
Science and Products
Front cover of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory 2022 annual report, which includes a summary of earthquake, deformation, and geyser activity, as well as research investigations and other information.
Distribution of hydrothermal features in Yellowstone as a function of their pH (modified and updated from Nordstrom et al., 2009). There are two distinct groupings: one is more acidic, and the other neutral to basic.
Distribution of hydrothermal features in Yellowstone as a function of their pH (modified and updated from Nordstrom et al., 2009). There are two distinct groupings: one is more acidic, and the other neutral to basic.
Do animals prank humans? It sometimes feels that way, says Yellowstone Volcano Observatory’s scientist-in-charge Mike Poland. Mike shows some of the ways animals have “interacted” with monitoring equipment in this April 1, 2023 monthly update of activity at Yellowstone Volcano.
Do animals prank humans? It sometimes feels that way, says Yellowstone Volcano Observatory’s scientist-in-charge Mike Poland. Mike shows some of the ways animals have “interacted” with monitoring equipment in this April 1, 2023 monthly update of activity at Yellowstone Volcano.
Could an external event trigger a Yellowstone eruption? No, says Yellowstone Volcano Observatory’s scientist-in-charge Mike Poland, that’s not how volcanoes work. Most of the pressure that drives a volcano toward eruption comes from within, from the exsolution of gases in the magmatic system.
Could an external event trigger a Yellowstone eruption? No, says Yellowstone Volcano Observatory’s scientist-in-charge Mike Poland, that’s not how volcanoes work. Most of the pressure that drives a volcano toward eruption comes from within, from the exsolution of gases in the magmatic system.
Winter has arrived in the Yellowstone region. The deep snow and cold temperatures are harsh for animals, harsh for humans, and also harsh for volcano monitoring equipment.
Winter has arrived in the Yellowstone region. The deep snow and cold temperatures are harsh for animals, harsh for humans, and also harsh for volcano monitoring equipment.
Geology of the unconformity on Mount Everts in Yellowstone National Park. Sketch at the top was made by geologist William Henry Holmes in 1878 and correctly identifies Cretaceous sediments overlain by much younger rhyolite rocks, including fine ash deposits (“tufa”). The photo at the bottom shows the same outcrop as viewed from Mammoth Hot Springs (USGS
Geology of the unconformity on Mount Everts in Yellowstone National Park. Sketch at the top was made by geologist William Henry Holmes in 1878 and correctly identifies Cretaceous sediments overlain by much younger rhyolite rocks, including fine ash deposits (“tufa”). The photo at the bottom shows the same outcrop as viewed from Mammoth Hot Springs (USGS
Mike Poland, scientist-in-charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, provides an overview of 2022 events and December activity in this monthly update for January 1, 2023.
Mike Poland, scientist-in-charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, provides an overview of 2022 events and December activity in this monthly update for January 1, 2023.
Map of seismicity (red circles) in the Yellowstone region during 2022. Gray lines are roads, black dashed line shows the caldera boundary, Yellowstone National Park is outlined by black dot-dashed line, and gray dashed lines denote state boundaries.
Map of seismicity (red circles) in the Yellowstone region during 2022. Gray lines are roads, black dashed line shows the caldera boundary, Yellowstone National Park is outlined by black dot-dashed line, and gray dashed lines denote state boundaries.
Just a few days ago, Mauna Loa, the tallest active volcano on the planet, started erupting for the first time in 38 years.
Just a few days ago, Mauna Loa, the tallest active volcano on the planet, started erupting for the first time in 38 years.
Google Earth image of the north part of Lower Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, showing the site of the Fountain Hotel
linkGoogle Earth image of the north part of Lower Geyser Basin showing the site of the Fountain Hotel and nearby Leather Pool, which was tapped to provide a source of hot water for the hotel.
Google Earth image of the north part of Lower Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, showing the site of the Fountain Hotel
linkGoogle Earth image of the north part of Lower Geyser Basin showing the site of the Fountain Hotel and nearby Leather Pool, which was tapped to provide a source of hot water for the hotel.
November is Native American Heritage Month. Mike Poland, scientist-in-charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, talks about Indigenous peoples in the Yellowstone region and describes Yellowstone’s recent seismic, deformation, and geyser activity in this November 1, 2022 monthly update.
November is Native American Heritage Month. Mike Poland, scientist-in-charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, talks about Indigenous peoples in the Yellowstone region and describes Yellowstone’s recent seismic, deformation, and geyser activity in this November 1, 2022 monthly update.
Interferogram created from data collected on September 29, 2021, and October 6, 2022, by the Sentinel-1 satellite system. Colored fringes indicate a change in distance (called range change) between the satellite and ground surface that is caused by surface deformation.
Interferogram created from data collected on September 29, 2021, and October 6, 2022, by the Sentinel-1 satellite system. Colored fringes indicate a change in distance (called range change) between the satellite and ground surface that is caused by surface deformation.
Mike Poland, scientist-in-charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, describes activity at Yellowstone in this monthly update for October 1, 2022.
The update comes to you from Artist Paintpots in Yellowstone National Park. The paintpots are acid sulfate springs, one of three different types of thermal features in Yellowstone.
Mike Poland, scientist-in-charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, describes activity at Yellowstone in this monthly update for October 1, 2022.
The update comes to you from Artist Paintpots in Yellowstone National Park. The paintpots are acid sulfate springs, one of three different types of thermal features in Yellowstone.
Mike Poland, scientist-in-charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, describes activity at Yellowstone in this monthly update for August 1, 2022.
Mike Poland, scientist-in-charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, describes activity at Yellowstone in this monthly update for August 1, 2022.
Mike Poland, scientist-in-charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, describes activity at Yellowstone volcano in this monthly update for July 1, 2022.
Mike Poland, scientist-in-charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, describes activity at Yellowstone volcano in this monthly update for July 1, 2022.
Front cover of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory’s Volcano and Earthquake Monitoring Plan for the Yellowstone Caldera System, 2022–2032
linkFront cover of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory’s Volcano and Earthquake Monitoring Plan for the Yellowstone Caldera System, 2022–2032.
Map of SNOTEL snowpack telemetry sites (blue dots) and streamgages (red dots) in and around Yellowstone National Park.
Map of SNOTEL snowpack telemetry sites (blue dots) and streamgages (red dots) in and around Yellowstone National Park.
Yellowstone River level and discharge during June 9–16, 2022, at Corwin Springs streamgage north of Yellowstone National Park
linkYellowstone River level (left) and discharge (right) during June 9–16, 2022, measured at the Corwin Springs streamgage just north of Yellowstone National Park (https://waterdata.usgs.gov/mt/nwis/uv/?site_no=06191500&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060,00010). The
Yellowstone River level and discharge during June 9–16, 2022, at Corwin Springs streamgage north of Yellowstone National Park
linkYellowstone River level (left) and discharge (right) during June 9–16, 2022, measured at the Corwin Springs streamgage just north of Yellowstone National Park (https://waterdata.usgs.gov/mt/nwis/uv/?site_no=06191500&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060,00010). The
Panoramic image of the Sulphur Springs thermal area in Valles Caldera, New Mexico. The altered surface, composed of clays, strongly resembles acid-sulfate thermal areas in Yellowstone National Park, like the Mud Volcano region. USGS photo by Mike Poland, June 10, 2022.
Panoramic image of the Sulphur Springs thermal area in Valles Caldera, New Mexico. The altered surface, composed of clays, strongly resembles acid-sulfate thermal areas in Yellowstone National Park, like the Mud Volcano region. USGS photo by Mike Poland, June 10, 2022.
Panoramic image of Valles Caldera, New Mexico, looking at the Valle Grande, part of the calderas “moat.” The resurgent dome is the high topography at the left side of the image, while the hills at the center and right are lava domes. USGS photo by Mike Poland, June 10, 2022.
Panoramic image of Valles Caldera, New Mexico, looking at the Valle Grande, part of the calderas “moat.” The resurgent dome is the high topography at the left side of the image, while the hills at the center and right are lava domes. USGS photo by Mike Poland, June 10, 2022.
The Bandelier Tuff near Los Alamos, New Mexico. The Jemez Mountains, home to the Valles and Toledo calderas where the tuff originated, rise in the distance. The tuff was hot and thick when it was deposited by caldera-forming eruptions 1.61 and 1.25 million years ago, and so it is welded in places, forming a dense and resistant rock. USGS photo by M
The Bandelier Tuff near Los Alamos, New Mexico. The Jemez Mountains, home to the Valles and Toledo calderas where the tuff originated, rise in the distance. The tuff was hot and thick when it was deposited by caldera-forming eruptions 1.61 and 1.25 million years ago, and so it is welded in places, forming a dense and resistant rock. USGS photo by M
Onset and evolution of Kilauea’s 2018 flank eruption and summit collapse from continuous gravity
Quantifying eruptive and background seismicity, deformation, degassing, and thermal emissions at volcanoes in the United States during 1978–2020
Insight into the May 2015 summit inflation event at Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai‘i
Applications of bistatic radar to volcano topography – A review of 10 years of TanDEM-X
The cascading origin of the 2018 Kīlauea eruption and implications for future forecasting
Volcano geodesy: A critical tool for assessing the state of volcanoes and their potential for hazardous eruptive activity
Forecasting, detecting, and tracking volcanic eruptions from space
Using conceptual models to relate multiparameter satellite data to subsurface volcanic processes in Latin America
Post-collapse gravity increase at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano, Hawaiʻi
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
Interseismic quiescence and triggered slip of active normal faults of Kīlauea Volcano’s south flank during 2001-2018
Science and Products
Front cover of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory 2022 annual report, which includes a summary of earthquake, deformation, and geyser activity, as well as research investigations and other information.
Front cover of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory 2022 annual report, which includes a summary of earthquake, deformation, and geyser activity, as well as research investigations and other information.
Distribution of hydrothermal features in Yellowstone as a function of their pH (modified and updated from Nordstrom et al., 2009). There are two distinct groupings: one is more acidic, and the other neutral to basic.
Distribution of hydrothermal features in Yellowstone as a function of their pH (modified and updated from Nordstrom et al., 2009). There are two distinct groupings: one is more acidic, and the other neutral to basic.
Do animals prank humans? It sometimes feels that way, says Yellowstone Volcano Observatory’s scientist-in-charge Mike Poland. Mike shows some of the ways animals have “interacted” with monitoring equipment in this April 1, 2023 monthly update of activity at Yellowstone Volcano.
Do animals prank humans? It sometimes feels that way, says Yellowstone Volcano Observatory’s scientist-in-charge Mike Poland. Mike shows some of the ways animals have “interacted” with monitoring equipment in this April 1, 2023 monthly update of activity at Yellowstone Volcano.
Could an external event trigger a Yellowstone eruption? No, says Yellowstone Volcano Observatory’s scientist-in-charge Mike Poland, that’s not how volcanoes work. Most of the pressure that drives a volcano toward eruption comes from within, from the exsolution of gases in the magmatic system.
Could an external event trigger a Yellowstone eruption? No, says Yellowstone Volcano Observatory’s scientist-in-charge Mike Poland, that’s not how volcanoes work. Most of the pressure that drives a volcano toward eruption comes from within, from the exsolution of gases in the magmatic system.
Winter has arrived in the Yellowstone region. The deep snow and cold temperatures are harsh for animals, harsh for humans, and also harsh for volcano monitoring equipment.
Winter has arrived in the Yellowstone region. The deep snow and cold temperatures are harsh for animals, harsh for humans, and also harsh for volcano monitoring equipment.
Geology of the unconformity on Mount Everts in Yellowstone National Park. Sketch at the top was made by geologist William Henry Holmes in 1878 and correctly identifies Cretaceous sediments overlain by much younger rhyolite rocks, including fine ash deposits (“tufa”). The photo at the bottom shows the same outcrop as viewed from Mammoth Hot Springs (USGS
Geology of the unconformity on Mount Everts in Yellowstone National Park. Sketch at the top was made by geologist William Henry Holmes in 1878 and correctly identifies Cretaceous sediments overlain by much younger rhyolite rocks, including fine ash deposits (“tufa”). The photo at the bottom shows the same outcrop as viewed from Mammoth Hot Springs (USGS
Mike Poland, scientist-in-charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, provides an overview of 2022 events and December activity in this monthly update for January 1, 2023.
Mike Poland, scientist-in-charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, provides an overview of 2022 events and December activity in this monthly update for January 1, 2023.
Map of seismicity (red circles) in the Yellowstone region during 2022. Gray lines are roads, black dashed line shows the caldera boundary, Yellowstone National Park is outlined by black dot-dashed line, and gray dashed lines denote state boundaries.
Map of seismicity (red circles) in the Yellowstone region during 2022. Gray lines are roads, black dashed line shows the caldera boundary, Yellowstone National Park is outlined by black dot-dashed line, and gray dashed lines denote state boundaries.
Just a few days ago, Mauna Loa, the tallest active volcano on the planet, started erupting for the first time in 38 years.
Just a few days ago, Mauna Loa, the tallest active volcano on the planet, started erupting for the first time in 38 years.
Google Earth image of the north part of Lower Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, showing the site of the Fountain Hotel
linkGoogle Earth image of the north part of Lower Geyser Basin showing the site of the Fountain Hotel and nearby Leather Pool, which was tapped to provide a source of hot water for the hotel.
Google Earth image of the north part of Lower Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, showing the site of the Fountain Hotel
linkGoogle Earth image of the north part of Lower Geyser Basin showing the site of the Fountain Hotel and nearby Leather Pool, which was tapped to provide a source of hot water for the hotel.
November is Native American Heritage Month. Mike Poland, scientist-in-charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, talks about Indigenous peoples in the Yellowstone region and describes Yellowstone’s recent seismic, deformation, and geyser activity in this November 1, 2022 monthly update.
November is Native American Heritage Month. Mike Poland, scientist-in-charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, talks about Indigenous peoples in the Yellowstone region and describes Yellowstone’s recent seismic, deformation, and geyser activity in this November 1, 2022 monthly update.
Interferogram created from data collected on September 29, 2021, and October 6, 2022, by the Sentinel-1 satellite system. Colored fringes indicate a change in distance (called range change) between the satellite and ground surface that is caused by surface deformation.
Interferogram created from data collected on September 29, 2021, and October 6, 2022, by the Sentinel-1 satellite system. Colored fringes indicate a change in distance (called range change) between the satellite and ground surface that is caused by surface deformation.
Mike Poland, scientist-in-charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, describes activity at Yellowstone in this monthly update for October 1, 2022.
The update comes to you from Artist Paintpots in Yellowstone National Park. The paintpots are acid sulfate springs, one of three different types of thermal features in Yellowstone.
Mike Poland, scientist-in-charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, describes activity at Yellowstone in this monthly update for October 1, 2022.
The update comes to you from Artist Paintpots in Yellowstone National Park. The paintpots are acid sulfate springs, one of three different types of thermal features in Yellowstone.
Mike Poland, scientist-in-charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, describes activity at Yellowstone in this monthly update for August 1, 2022.
Mike Poland, scientist-in-charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, describes activity at Yellowstone in this monthly update for August 1, 2022.
Mike Poland, scientist-in-charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, describes activity at Yellowstone volcano in this monthly update for July 1, 2022.
Mike Poland, scientist-in-charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, describes activity at Yellowstone volcano in this monthly update for July 1, 2022.
Front cover of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory’s Volcano and Earthquake Monitoring Plan for the Yellowstone Caldera System, 2022–2032
linkFront cover of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory’s Volcano and Earthquake Monitoring Plan for the Yellowstone Caldera System, 2022–2032.
Map of SNOTEL snowpack telemetry sites (blue dots) and streamgages (red dots) in and around Yellowstone National Park.
Map of SNOTEL snowpack telemetry sites (blue dots) and streamgages (red dots) in and around Yellowstone National Park.
Yellowstone River level and discharge during June 9–16, 2022, at Corwin Springs streamgage north of Yellowstone National Park
linkYellowstone River level (left) and discharge (right) during June 9–16, 2022, measured at the Corwin Springs streamgage just north of Yellowstone National Park (https://waterdata.usgs.gov/mt/nwis/uv/?site_no=06191500&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060,00010). The
Yellowstone River level and discharge during June 9–16, 2022, at Corwin Springs streamgage north of Yellowstone National Park
linkYellowstone River level (left) and discharge (right) during June 9–16, 2022, measured at the Corwin Springs streamgage just north of Yellowstone National Park (https://waterdata.usgs.gov/mt/nwis/uv/?site_no=06191500&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060,00010). The
Panoramic image of the Sulphur Springs thermal area in Valles Caldera, New Mexico. The altered surface, composed of clays, strongly resembles acid-sulfate thermal areas in Yellowstone National Park, like the Mud Volcano region. USGS photo by Mike Poland, June 10, 2022.
Panoramic image of the Sulphur Springs thermal area in Valles Caldera, New Mexico. The altered surface, composed of clays, strongly resembles acid-sulfate thermal areas in Yellowstone National Park, like the Mud Volcano region. USGS photo by Mike Poland, June 10, 2022.
Panoramic image of Valles Caldera, New Mexico, looking at the Valle Grande, part of the calderas “moat.” The resurgent dome is the high topography at the left side of the image, while the hills at the center and right are lava domes. USGS photo by Mike Poland, June 10, 2022.
Panoramic image of Valles Caldera, New Mexico, looking at the Valle Grande, part of the calderas “moat.” The resurgent dome is the high topography at the left side of the image, while the hills at the center and right are lava domes. USGS photo by Mike Poland, June 10, 2022.
The Bandelier Tuff near Los Alamos, New Mexico. The Jemez Mountains, home to the Valles and Toledo calderas where the tuff originated, rise in the distance. The tuff was hot and thick when it was deposited by caldera-forming eruptions 1.61 and 1.25 million years ago, and so it is welded in places, forming a dense and resistant rock. USGS photo by M
The Bandelier Tuff near Los Alamos, New Mexico. The Jemez Mountains, home to the Valles and Toledo calderas where the tuff originated, rise in the distance. The tuff was hot and thick when it was deposited by caldera-forming eruptions 1.61 and 1.25 million years ago, and so it is welded in places, forming a dense and resistant rock. USGS photo by M
Onset and evolution of Kilauea’s 2018 flank eruption and summit collapse from continuous gravity
Quantifying eruptive and background seismicity, deformation, degassing, and thermal emissions at volcanoes in the United States during 1978–2020
Insight into the May 2015 summit inflation event at Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai‘i
Applications of bistatic radar to volcano topography – A review of 10 years of TanDEM-X
The cascading origin of the 2018 Kīlauea eruption and implications for future forecasting
Volcano geodesy: A critical tool for assessing the state of volcanoes and their potential for hazardous eruptive activity
Forecasting, detecting, and tracking volcanic eruptions from space
Using conceptual models to relate multiparameter satellite data to subsurface volcanic processes in Latin America
Post-collapse gravity increase at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano, Hawaiʻi
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
Interseismic quiescence and triggered slip of active normal faults of Kīlauea Volcano’s south flank during 2001-2018
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government