Michelle L. Coombs, Ph.D.
Michelle Coombs is a Research Geologist with the U.S. Geological Survey Volcanic Science Center. She served as Scientist-in-Charge of the Alaska Volcano Observatory from 2016-2023. In this position, Dr. Coombs leads eruption responses, oversees expansion and modernization of volcano monitoring techniques, and guides applied and fundamental research on a host of problems related to volcanology.
Professional Experience
2016–2023: Scientist-in-Charge, Alaska Volcano Observatory, Volcano Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Anchorage, AK
2004–Present: Research Geologist, Alaska Volcano Observatory
2001–2004: Research Geologist, Volcano Hazards Team, U.S. Geological Survey, Menlo Park CA
OTHER PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
Affiliate faculty, University of Alaska Fairbanks
CONVERSE Steering Committee member, 2020–present
Member of AGU student awards committee, 2011–2015
Associate Editor, Bulletin of Volcanology, 2013–2016
Editorial board, Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 2007–2018
Co-editor for 28-chapter USGS Professional Paper 1769, The 2006 eruption of Augustine Volcano, Alaska, 2010
Co-editor for Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research special issue on Growth and collapse of Hawaiian volcanoes, 2006
Education and Certifications
Williams College, BA Geology, 1994
University of Alaska Fairbanks, PhD Geology, 2001
Affiliations and Memberships*
American Geophysical Union, 1996–present
Geological Society of America, 2001–present (elected Fellow in 2015)
International Assoc. of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth’s Interior, 1999–present
Science and Products
The 2006 eruption of Augustine Volcano, Alaska
Seismic observations of Augustine Volcano, 1970-2007
Seismic precursors to volcanic explosions during the 2006 eruption of Augustine Volcano: Chapter 2 in The 2006 eruption of Augustine Volcano, Alaska
A parametric study of the January 2006 explosive eruptions of Augustine Volcano, using seismic, infrasonic, and lightning data: Chapter 4 in The 2006 eruption of Augustine Volcano, Alaska
Preliminary Volcano-Hazard Assessment for Gareloi Volcano, Gareloi Island, Alaska
Preliminary volcano-hazard assessment for the Tanaga volcanic cluster, Tanaga Island, Alaska
Massive edifice failure at Aleutian arc volcanoes
Geothermal disruption of summit glaciers at Mount Spurr Volcano, 2004-6: An unusual manifestation of volcanic unrest
Studies by the U.S. Geological Survey in Alaska, 2005
The reawakening of Alaska's Augustine volcano
Growth and collapse of Hawaiian volcanoes
Isotope geochemistry of early Kilauea magmas from the submarine Hilina bench: The nature of the Hilina mantle component
Science and Products
The 2006 eruption of Augustine Volcano, Alaska
Seismic observations of Augustine Volcano, 1970-2007
Seismic precursors to volcanic explosions during the 2006 eruption of Augustine Volcano: Chapter 2 in The 2006 eruption of Augustine Volcano, Alaska
A parametric study of the January 2006 explosive eruptions of Augustine Volcano, using seismic, infrasonic, and lightning data: Chapter 4 in The 2006 eruption of Augustine Volcano, Alaska
Preliminary Volcano-Hazard Assessment for Gareloi Volcano, Gareloi Island, Alaska
Preliminary volcano-hazard assessment for the Tanaga volcanic cluster, Tanaga Island, Alaska
Massive edifice failure at Aleutian arc volcanoes
Geothermal disruption of summit glaciers at Mount Spurr Volcano, 2004-6: An unusual manifestation of volcanic unrest
Studies by the U.S. Geological Survey in Alaska, 2005
The reawakening of Alaska's Augustine volcano
Growth and collapse of Hawaiian volcanoes
Isotope geochemistry of early Kilauea magmas from the submarine Hilina bench: The nature of the Hilina mantle component
*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