A clear view of the floor of Pu'u 'O 'o crater. The light grey lava flows near the bottom of the photo were active today.
Tim R. Orr
Physical volcanology and eruption dynamics of basaltic volcanoes, principally Kīlauea volcano, Hawaii, and the Bering Sea Basalt Province, Alaska. Eruptive histories and hazards of Hawaiian and Alaska volcanoes.
My position as a Research Geologist at the Alaska Volcano Observatory focuses on fundamental research on eruption and flow field processes to understand hazards better and improve forecasts, first in Hawaiʻi and now in Alaska. My work entails observing and measuring eruptive activity as part of operational monitoring and through directed field studies to analyze the data collected to gain fundamental insights into eruptive phenomena in Hawaiʻi, Alaska, and worldwide.
In addition, a fundamental part of my position is the monitoring of, and response to, volcanic unrest and eruptions. I serve as a 24/7 on-call duty scientist and duty remote sensor at AVO periodically throughout the year, and more often as needed during eruption crises, with primary responsibility for assessing volcanic activity daily and issuing hazard alerts. Because of my previous experience at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, I am also called upon to help with eruption response efforts in Hawaiʻi, when needed.
Professional Experience
Research Geologist, USGS Alaska Volcano Observatory, June 2017–Present
Research Geologist, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, May 2016–June 2017
Operational Geologist, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, June 2005–May 2016
Physical Science Technician, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, November 2002–June 2005
Education and Certifications
University of Hawaii at Manoa, PH.D. (2015) – Geology and Geophysics
Northern Arizona University, M.S. (1997) – Geology
University of Montana, B.A. (1995) – Geology
University of Montana, B.A. (1993) – Geography
Affiliations and Memberships*
American Geophysical Union
Geological Society of America
International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth’s Interior
Science and Products
Stochastic lava flow forecasting code used during the 2014-2015 Pāhoa lava flow crisis, Kīlauea Volcano, Island of Hawai‘i
Thermal camera images of lava lake and crater filling activity at Puʻuʻōʻō, East Rift Zone of Kīlauea Volcano, Island of Hawaiʻi, 2011-2019
Ground crack, VLF measurement, and sample vesicularity data for the June 2007 Father's Day eruption, Kīlauea Volcano
Photogrammetry-derived digital elevation models and source images for an inactive perched lava lake formed at Pu‘u‘ō‘ō (Kīlauea) in 2014
Elevation of the lava lake in Halemaʻumaʻu crater, Kīlauea Volcano, from 2009 to 2018
Sample details and near-real-time ED-XRF, grain size, and grain shape data collected during the November – December 2022 eruption of Mauna Loa volcano, Island of Hawaiʻi
Digital elevation models and orthoimagery from the 2018 eruption of Veniaminof, Alaska
GIS shapefiles for the June 27th lava flow at Kilauea volcano, Hawaii, June 2014-June 2016
GIS shapefiles for lava flows at Kilauea volcano, 1790 - 1982
GIS shapefiles for Kilauea's episode 61g lava flow, Pu`u `O`o eruption: May 2016 to May 2017
A clear view of the floor of Pu'u 'O 'o crater. The light grey lava flows near the bottom of the photo were active today.
The flow front of the eastern (top) 'a'a channel.
The flow front of the eastern (top) 'a'a channel.
Multiple pahoehoe flows about 250 m (820 ft) from a breakout point on the Quarry flow lava tube above the pali.
Multiple pahoehoe flows about 250 m (820 ft) from a breakout point on the Quarry flow lava tube above the pali.
Multiple small channels of lava flow downslope from a breakout point on the pali. There were several other breakouts producing similar flows upslope.
Multiple small channels of lava flow downslope from a breakout point on the pali. There were several other breakouts producing similar flows upslope.
Minor activity continues on the floor of Pu'u 'O 'o crater. The crater floor is often obscured by fume, but Kona winds allowed for a nice view today. The recent flows are light grey in color, concentrated in the east (top of photo) and west (behind the fume) ends of the crater.
Minor activity continues on the floor of Pu'u 'O 'o crater. The crater floor is often obscured by fume, but Kona winds allowed for a nice view today. The recent flows are light grey in color, concentrated in the east (top of photo) and west (behind the fume) ends of the crater.
A close-up of the breakout point on Pu'u 'O 'o.
A close-up of the breakout point on Pu'u 'O 'o.
A gas-rich lava flow on the northwest margin of the new shield.
A gas-rich lava flow on the northwest margin of the new shield.
A new breakout began overnight on Nov 28-29 along the upper section of the TEB tube. The breakout continues to produce lava flows, creating a new rootless shield among the string of previously formed shields.
A new breakout began overnight on Nov 28-29 along the upper section of the TEB tube. The breakout continues to produce lava flows, creating a new rootless shield among the string of previously formed shields.
A close-up of the breakout point on the newly formed shield. The flow is moving from right to left from the breakout point until it branches in several directions near the center of the photograph.
A close-up of the breakout point on the newly formed shield. The flow is moving from right to left from the breakout point until it branches in several directions near the center of the photograph.
Due to the current activity above the pali, lava flows on the coastal plain, as well as the Puhi-o-Kalaikini ocean entry, are inactive.
Due to the current activity above the pali, lava flows on the coastal plain, as well as the Puhi-o-Kalaikini ocean entry, are inactive.
This overlay of a photograph, and a thermal image of the same area, highlights several active breakouts on the coastal plain. Comparing today's image to the composite taken on Oct 28, the breakouts are new, but most of the other features are unchanged.
This overlay of a photograph, and a thermal image of the same area, highlights several active breakouts on the coastal plain. Comparing today's image to the composite taken on Oct 28, the breakouts are new, but most of the other features are unchanged.
A similar wide shot of the flow field, incorporating more of the coastline west of the ocean entry. Hilina Pali is the cliff face in the background. Small lava channels enter the ocean along a section of the Puhi-o-Kalaikini lava delta.
A similar wide shot of the flow field, incorporating more of the coastline west of the ocean entry. Hilina Pali is the cliff face in the background. Small lava channels enter the ocean along a section of the Puhi-o-Kalaikini lava delta.
Geologist changing the data card in a time-lapse camera on the western rim of Pu'u 'O 'o. The lack of trade winds allowed for a clear view into the crater.
Geologist changing the data card in a time-lapse camera on the western rim of Pu'u 'O 'o. The lack of trade winds allowed for a clear view into the crater.
Small lava channels enter the ocean along a section of the Puhi-o-Kalaikini lava delta.
Small lava channels enter the ocean along a section of the Puhi-o-Kalaikini lava delta.
Looking into the Halema'uma'u Overlook vent during a lava high stand. In the lower half of the vent, several glowing cracks in the crusted lava surface can be seen through the diffuse fume. The remaining portion of the Halema'uma'u Overlook fence is at the bottom of the photograph.
Looking into the Halema'uma'u Overlook vent during a lava high stand. In the lower half of the vent, several glowing cracks in the crusted lava surface can be seen through the diffuse fume. The remaining portion of the Halema'uma'u Overlook fence is at the bottom of the photograph.
An aerial view of Pu'u 'O 'o, looking toward the southwest. Although the inside of the crater is shrouded in fume, a distinct plume can still be seen coming from the east wall. This vent has once again become the dominant heat source in Pu'u 'O 'o since the cessation of flows in the crater several weeks ago.
An aerial view of Pu'u 'O 'o, looking toward the southwest. Although the inside of the crater is shrouded in fume, a distinct plume can still be seen coming from the east wall. This vent has once again become the dominant heat source in Pu'u 'O 'o since the cessation of flows in the crater several weeks ago.
Close-up of the channelized breakout, showing the lava stream near the breakout point and the surrounding pahoehoe.
Close-up of the channelized breakout, showing the lava stream near the breakout point and the surrounding pahoehoe.
A vigorous but relatively small channelized breakout near the base of the pali began this morning around 4 am. The flow near the breakout point is pahoehoe (shiny appearance), whereas the middle and lower portions of the flow are 'a'a (dull black color).
A vigorous but relatively small channelized breakout near the base of the pali began this morning around 4 am. The flow near the breakout point is pahoehoe (shiny appearance), whereas the middle and lower portions of the flow are 'a'a (dull black color).
This composite image of the coastal plain near Kalapana combines a thermal image and a conventional photograph. The majority of lava is traveling through the lava tube system to the ocean and is not easily detectable in the image. Sometimes, however, the lava tubes do show a clear thermal signature.
This composite image of the coastal plain near Kalapana combines a thermal image and a conventional photograph. The majority of lava is traveling through the lava tube system to the ocean and is not easily detectable in the image. Sometimes, however, the lava tubes do show a clear thermal signature.
The most recent breakout on the coastal plain, which began on October 15, is still active in several places along its southern margin. The lighter grey lava flows in the middle of the photograph are the extent of the latest activity. The flow is 550 m (1800 ft) long and runs parallel with the trace of Highway 130 (the road on the right side of the photograph).
The most recent breakout on the coastal plain, which began on October 15, is still active in several places along its southern margin. The lighter grey lava flows in the middle of the photograph are the extent of the latest activity. The flow is 550 m (1800 ft) long and runs parallel with the trace of Highway 130 (the road on the right side of the photograph).
Near-vertical view into the eruptive vent inset within the southeast edge of Halema'uma'u Crater. The crusting, slowly circulating lava surface was about 115 m (375 ft) below the floor of Halema'uma'u.
Near-vertical view into the eruptive vent inset within the southeast edge of Halema'uma'u Crater. The crusting, slowly circulating lava surface was about 115 m (375 ft) below the floor of Halema'uma'u.
Using ground crack and very low frequency measurements to map the location of the June 2007 Father’s Day dike, Kīlauea Volcano
2020 Volcanic activity in Alaska—Summary of events and response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory
2021 Volcanic activity in Alaska and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands—Summary of events and response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory
Pre-existing ground cracks as lava flow pathways at Kīlauea in 2014
Historically active volcanoes of Alaska reference deck
Eruption of stagnant lava from an inactive perched lava lake
2019 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
Development, structure, and behavior of a perched lava channel at Kīlauea Volcano, Hawaiʻi, during 2007
Crater growth and lava-lake dynamics revealed through multitemporal terrestrial lidar scanning at Kīlauea Volcano, Hawaiʻi
Patterns of bubble bursting and weak explosive activity in an active lava lake—Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea, 2015
Groundwater dynamics at Kīlauea Volcano and vicinity, Hawaiʻi
Science and Products
- Data
Stochastic lava flow forecasting code used during the 2014-2015 Pāhoa lava flow crisis, Kīlauea Volcano, Island of Hawai‘i
The 1983-2018 Puʻuʻōʻō eruption, on the East Rift Zone of Kīlauea volcano, consisted of many different episodes and several phases of lava flows threatening residential areas (Heliker and Mattox 2003; Orr and others 2015). One of these crises occurred in 2014-2015, when lava erupting from Puʻuʻōʻō advanced north of the rift zone, towards the town of Pāhoa (Poland and others 2016; Brantley and oThermal camera images of lava lake and crater filling activity at Puʻuʻōʻō, East Rift Zone of Kīlauea Volcano, Island of Hawaiʻi, 2011-2019
The 35-year-long Puʻuʻōʻō eruption, on the East Rift Zone of Kīlauea Volcano, was the longest volcanic eruption on the Island of Hawaiʻi in the past 100 years (Wright and Klein 2014; Mulliken and others 2023). The eruption, whose vent area was focused at and around Puʻuʻōʻō cone, produced episodic fountaining in its initial few years followed by decades of effusive activity that created an expansGround crack, VLF measurement, and sample vesicularity data for the June 2007 Father's Day eruption, Kīlauea Volcano
An intrusion into Kīlauea’s upper East Rift Zone during June 17–19, 2007, during the 1983–2018 Pu‘u‘ō‘ō eruption, led to widespread ground cracking and a small (~1,525 m3) eruption on the northeast flank of the Kānenuiohamo cone, about 6 km upslope from the Pu‘u‘ō‘ō vent. Electromagnetic profiles using the very-low-frequency (VLF) technique (McNeill and Labson, 1991) were measured along transectsPhotogrammetry-derived digital elevation models and source images for an inactive perched lava lake formed at Pu‘u‘ō‘ō (Kīlauea) in 2014
Lava flow hazards are usually thought to end when the erupting vent becomes inactive, but this is not always the case. At Kīlauea in August 2014, a spiny ʻaʻā flow erupted from the levee of a crusted perched lava lake that had been inactive for a month, and the surface of the lava lake subsided as the flow advanced downslope over the following few days. Topography constructed from oblique aerial pElevation of the lava lake in Halemaʻumaʻu crater, Kīlauea Volcano, from 2009 to 2018
This data release includes measurements of the surface elevation of the lava lake within Halemaʻumaʻu crater, at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano, during the 2008-2018 summit eruption (Patrick and others, 2021). The data were measured by several instruments (laser rangefinder, webcams, lidar) and are compiled here to provide the most complete dataset yet available on the elevation of Kīlauea’s 2008-Sample details and near-real-time ED-XRF, grain size, and grain shape data collected during the November – December 2022 eruption of Mauna Loa volcano, Island of Hawaiʻi
At 11:21 p.m. (Hawaii Standard Time [HST]) on November 27, 2022, Mauna Loa volcano on the Island of Hawaiʻi started erupting from fissures at its summit caldera, Mokuʻāweoweo. This was followed shortly afterwards by the opening of a segment of fissures in the direction of the Southwest Rift Zone. These were mostly within the structural boundary of the caldera, so their location is denoted as ‘SoutDigital elevation models and orthoimagery from the 2018 eruption of Veniaminof, Alaska
Aerial photography surveys during and after the 2018 eruption of Veniaminof Volcano, Alaska were conducted to track the evolution of the lava flow field, active volcanic vent, and glacial ice loss from the eruption. Imagery from two surveys was processed with structure-from-motion (SfM) photogrammetric methods to derive the digital elevation models (DEMs) and orthophotos in this data release. TheGIS shapefiles for the June 27th lava flow at Kilauea volcano, Hawaii, June 2014-June 2016
This dataset contains shapefiles and associated metadata showing evolution of the "June 27th" lava flow (Pu?u ???? eruptive episode 61e) that was active at Kilauea volcano from June 27, 2014, to June 8, 2016. The dataset contains (1) an attributed polyline shapefile and (2) an attributed polygon shapefile with features that represent the outline and extent of the flow on 35 different dates. The daGIS shapefiles for lava flows at Kilauea volcano, 1790 - 1982
This dataset contains shapefiles and associated metadata for lava flows erupted at Kilauea volcano from ca. 1790 through 1982. The dataset includes all known subaerial eruptions in the volcano's Southwest Rift Zone and East Rift Zone, and selected flows erupted within the summit caldera, during this time period. Two attributed shapefiles are associated with each eruption: a polyline shapefile forGIS shapefiles for Kilauea's episode 61g lava flow, Pu`u `O`o eruption: May 2016 to May 2017
This dataset contains shapefiles and associated metadata for Kīlauea volcano's Puu Ōō episode 61g lava flow from May 24, 2016 through May 31, 2017. Episode 61g began with a breakout from the east flank of Puu Ōō on May 24, 2016. Lava reached the Pacific Ocean at Kamokuna on July 26, 2017, and began building a lava delta that extended seaward from the original coastline. This lava delta collapsed i - Multimedia
Filter Total Items: 84Clear View of The Floor of Pu'u 'O 'o Crater
A clear view of the floor of Pu'u 'O 'o crater. The light grey lava flows near the bottom of the photo were active today.
A clear view of the floor of Pu'u 'O 'o crater. The light grey lava flows near the bottom of the photo were active today.
Eastern 'a'a Channel FlowThe flow front of the eastern (top) 'a'a channel.
The flow front of the eastern (top) 'a'a channel.
Multiple Pahoehoe FlowsMultiple pahoehoe flows about 250 m (820 ft) from a breakout point on the Quarry flow lava tube above the pali.
Multiple pahoehoe flows about 250 m (820 ft) from a breakout point on the Quarry flow lava tube above the pali.
Lava Flow On The Floor of Pu'u 'O 'oMultiple small channels of lava flow downslope from a breakout point on the pali. There were several other breakouts producing similar flows upslope.
Multiple small channels of lava flow downslope from a breakout point on the pali. There were several other breakouts producing similar flows upslope.
Minor Activity On The Floor of Pu'u 'O 'oMinor activity continues on the floor of Pu'u 'O 'o crater. The crater floor is often obscured by fume, but Kona winds allowed for a nice view today. The recent flows are light grey in color, concentrated in the east (top of photo) and west (behind the fume) ends of the crater.
Minor activity continues on the floor of Pu'u 'O 'o crater. The crater floor is often obscured by fume, but Kona winds allowed for a nice view today. The recent flows are light grey in color, concentrated in the east (top of photo) and west (behind the fume) ends of the crater.
Close-Up of The Breakout PointA close-up of the breakout point on Pu'u 'O 'o.
A close-up of the breakout point on Pu'u 'O 'o.
Gas-Rich Lava FlowA gas-rich lava flow on the northwest margin of the new shield.
A gas-rich lava flow on the northwest margin of the new shield.
Breakout On Nov 28-29A new breakout began overnight on Nov 28-29 along the upper section of the TEB tube. The breakout continues to produce lava flows, creating a new rootless shield among the string of previously formed shields.
A new breakout began overnight on Nov 28-29 along the upper section of the TEB tube. The breakout continues to produce lava flows, creating a new rootless shield among the string of previously formed shields.
Close-Up of Breakout PointA close-up of the breakout point on the newly formed shield. The flow is moving from right to left from the breakout point until it branches in several directions near the center of the photograph.
A close-up of the breakout point on the newly formed shield. The flow is moving from right to left from the breakout point until it branches in several directions near the center of the photograph.
Inactive Puhi-o-Kalaikini Ocean EntryDue to the current activity above the pali, lava flows on the coastal plain, as well as the Puhi-o-Kalaikini ocean entry, are inactive.
Due to the current activity above the pali, lava flows on the coastal plain, as well as the Puhi-o-Kalaikini ocean entry, are inactive.
Puhi-o-Kalaikini Ocean Entry Thermal ImageThis overlay of a photograph, and a thermal image of the same area, highlights several active breakouts on the coastal plain. Comparing today's image to the composite taken on Oct 28, the breakouts are new, but most of the other features are unchanged.
This overlay of a photograph, and a thermal image of the same area, highlights several active breakouts on the coastal plain. Comparing today's image to the composite taken on Oct 28, the breakouts are new, but most of the other features are unchanged.
Puhi-o-Kalaikini Ocean EntryA similar wide shot of the flow field, incorporating more of the coastline west of the ocean entry. Hilina Pali is the cliff face in the background. Small lava channels enter the ocean along a section of the Puhi-o-Kalaikini lava delta.
A similar wide shot of the flow field, incorporating more of the coastline west of the ocean entry. Hilina Pali is the cliff face in the background. Small lava channels enter the ocean along a section of the Puhi-o-Kalaikini lava delta.
Geologist On The Western Rim of Pu'u 'O 'oGeologist changing the data card in a time-lapse camera on the western rim of Pu'u 'O 'o. The lack of trade winds allowed for a clear view into the crater.
Geologist changing the data card in a time-lapse camera on the western rim of Pu'u 'O 'o. The lack of trade winds allowed for a clear view into the crater.
Lava Channels of Puhi-o-Kalaikini Lava DeltaSmall lava channels enter the ocean along a section of the Puhi-o-Kalaikini lava delta.
Small lava channels enter the ocean along a section of the Puhi-o-Kalaikini lava delta.
View Into Halema'uma'u Overlook VentLooking into the Halema'uma'u Overlook vent during a lava high stand. In the lower half of the vent, several glowing cracks in the crusted lava surface can be seen through the diffuse fume. The remaining portion of the Halema'uma'u Overlook fence is at the bottom of the photograph.
Looking into the Halema'uma'u Overlook vent during a lava high stand. In the lower half of the vent, several glowing cracks in the crusted lava surface can be seen through the diffuse fume. The remaining portion of the Halema'uma'u Overlook fence is at the bottom of the photograph.
An Aerial View of Pu'u 'O 'oAn aerial view of Pu'u 'O 'o, looking toward the southwest. Although the inside of the crater is shrouded in fume, a distinct plume can still be seen coming from the east wall. This vent has once again become the dominant heat source in Pu'u 'O 'o since the cessation of flows in the crater several weeks ago.
An aerial view of Pu'u 'O 'o, looking toward the southwest. Although the inside of the crater is shrouded in fume, a distinct plume can still be seen coming from the east wall. This vent has once again become the dominant heat source in Pu'u 'O 'o since the cessation of flows in the crater several weeks ago.
Channelized Breakout Close-UpClose-up of the channelized breakout, showing the lava stream near the breakout point and the surrounding pahoehoe.
Close-up of the channelized breakout, showing the lava stream near the breakout point and the surrounding pahoehoe.
Channelized BreakoutA vigorous but relatively small channelized breakout near the base of the pali began this morning around 4 am. The flow near the breakout point is pahoehoe (shiny appearance), whereas the middle and lower portions of the flow are 'a'a (dull black color).
A vigorous but relatively small channelized breakout near the base of the pali began this morning around 4 am. The flow near the breakout point is pahoehoe (shiny appearance), whereas the middle and lower portions of the flow are 'a'a (dull black color).
Coastal Plain Near KalapanaThis composite image of the coastal plain near Kalapana combines a thermal image and a conventional photograph. The majority of lava is traveling through the lava tube system to the ocean and is not easily detectable in the image. Sometimes, however, the lava tubes do show a clear thermal signature.
This composite image of the coastal plain near Kalapana combines a thermal image and a conventional photograph. The majority of lava is traveling through the lava tube system to the ocean and is not easily detectable in the image. Sometimes, however, the lava tubes do show a clear thermal signature.
Recent Breakout On The Coastal PlainThe most recent breakout on the coastal plain, which began on October 15, is still active in several places along its southern margin. The lighter grey lava flows in the middle of the photograph are the extent of the latest activity. The flow is 550 m (1800 ft) long and runs parallel with the trace of Highway 130 (the road on the right side of the photograph).
The most recent breakout on the coastal plain, which began on October 15, is still active in several places along its southern margin. The lighter grey lava flows in the middle of the photograph are the extent of the latest activity. The flow is 550 m (1800 ft) long and runs parallel with the trace of Highway 130 (the road on the right side of the photograph).
Eruptive VentNear-vertical view into the eruptive vent inset within the southeast edge of Halema'uma'u Crater. The crusting, slowly circulating lava surface was about 115 m (375 ft) below the floor of Halema'uma'u.
Near-vertical view into the eruptive vent inset within the southeast edge of Halema'uma'u Crater. The crusting, slowly circulating lava surface was about 115 m (375 ft) below the floor of Halema'uma'u.
- Publications
Filter Total Items: 45
Using ground crack and very low frequency measurements to map the location of the June 2007 Father’s Day dike, Kīlauea Volcano
An intrusion into Kīlauea’s upper East Rift Zone during June 17–19, 2007, during the 1983–2018 Pu‘u‘ō‘ō eruption, led to widespread ground cracking and a small (approximately 1,525 cubic meters) eruption on the northeast flank of Kānenuiohamo, a cone about 6 kilometers upslope from Pu‘u‘ō‘ō. Transmitted and induced very low frequency (VLF) magnetic fields were measured with a handheld VLF receiverAuthorsTim R. Orr, James P. Kauahikaua, Christina Heliker2020 Volcanic activity in Alaska—Summary of events and response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory
The Alaska Volcano Observatory responded to eruptions, volcanic unrest or suspected unrest, increased seismicity, and other significant activity at nine volcanic centers in Alaska in 2020. The most notable volcanic activity in 2020 was an eruption of Shishaldin Volcano, which produced lava flows, lahars, and ash. Mount Cleveland had one small ash-producing eruption in June but was quiet thereafterAuthorsTim R. Orr, Cheryl Cameron, Hannah R. Dietterich, Matthew W. Loewen, Taryn Lopez, John J. Lyons, Jenny Nakai, John A. Power, Cheryl Searcy, Gabrielle Tepp, Christopher F. Waythomas2021 Volcanic activity in Alaska and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands—Summary of events and response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory
In 2021, the Alaska Volcano Observatory responded to eruptions, volcanic unrest or suspected unrest, increased seismicity, and other significant activity at 15 volcanic centers in Alaska and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Eruptive activity in Alaska consisted of repeated small, ash-producing, phreatomagmatic explosions from Mount Young on Semisopochnoi Island; an explosion at GrAuthorsTim R. Orr, Hannah R. Dietterich, David Fee, Társilo Girona, Ronni Grapenthin, Matthew M. Haney, Matthew W. Loewen, John J. Lyons, John A. Power, Hans F. Schwaiger, David J. Schneider, Darren Tan, Liam Toney, Valerie K. Wasser, Christopher F. WaythomasPre-existing ground cracks as lava flow pathways at Kīlauea in 2014
In 2014, the Pāhoa lava flow at Kīlauea, on the Island of Hawaiʻi (USA), entered a string of pre-existing meter-width ground cracks in the volcano’s East Rift Zone. The ground cracks transported lava below the surface in a direction discordant to the slope of the landscape. The cracks, which were 100s of meters long and 10s to 100s of meters deep, also widened by up to several meters as they filleAuthorsT. Orr, Edward W. Llewellin, Kyle R. Anderson, Matthew R. PatrickHistorically active volcanoes of Alaska reference deck
No abstract available.AuthorsCheryl E. Cameron, Kristen A. H. Janssen, Tim R. Orr, Matthew W. LoewenEruption of stagnant lava from an inactive perched lava lake
Lava flow hazards are usually thought to end when the erupting vent becomes inactive, but this is not always the case. At Kīlauea in August 2014, a spiny ʻaʻā flow erupted from the levee of a crusted perched lava lake that had been inactive for a month, and the surface of the lava lake subsided as the flow advanced downslope over the following few days. Topography constructed from oblique aerial pAuthorsT. Orr, Michael H. Zoeller, Edward W. Llewellin, Matthew R. Patrick2019 Volcanic activity in Alaska—Summary of events and response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory
The Alaska Volcano Observatory responded to eruptions, volcanic unrest or suspected unrest, increased seismicity, and other significant activity at 17 volcanic centers in Alaska in 2019. The most notable volcanic activity was an eruption of Shishaldin Volcano, featuring eruptive activity that produced lava flows, lahars, and ash. Weak explosive activity also took place at Great Sitkin Volcano andAuthorsTim R. Orr, Cheryl E. Cameron, Hannah R. Dietterich, James P. Dixon, Max L. Enders, Ronni Grapenthin, Alexandra M. Iezzi, Matthew W. Loewen, John A. Power, Cheryl Searcy, Gabrielle Tepp, Liam Toney, Christopher F. Waythomas, Aaron G. Wech2018 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 eruptions. ThiAuthorsCheryl 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. PerreaultDevelopment, structure, and behavior of a perched lava channel at Kīlauea Volcano, Hawaiʻi, during 2007
Channelized lava flows are commonly produced during the early stages of basaltic eruptions. These channels usually maintain their morphology until the eruption ends or discharge is diverted. In some instances, narrower channels can roof over, developing into lava tubes. We report here on a channelized flow erupted at Kīlauea volcano in 2007 that evolved into a “perched lava channel” composed of aAuthorsT. Orr, Edward W. Llewellin, Matthew R. PatrickCrater growth and lava-lake dynamics revealed through multitemporal terrestrial lidar scanning at Kīlauea Volcano, Hawaiʻi
Lava lake surfaces display the tops of active magma columns and respond to eruption variables such as magmatic pressure, convection, degassing, and cooling, as well as interactions with the craters that contain them. However, they are challenging to study owing to the numerous hazards that accompany these eruptions, and they are typically difficult to observe because the emitted gas plumes obscureAuthorsAdam L. LeWinter, Steve W. Anderson, David C. Finnegan, Matthew R. Patrick, Tim R. OrrPatterns of bubble bursting and weak explosive activity in an active lava lake—Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea, 2015
The rise of the Halemaʻumaʻu lava lake in 2013–2018 to depths commonly 40 meters or less below the rim of the vent was an excellent opportunity to study outgassing and the link to associated eruptive activity. We use videography to investigate the rise and bursting of bubbles through the free surface of the lake in 2015. We focus on low-energy explosive activity (spattering) in which the ascent anAuthorsBianca G. Mintz, Bruce F. Houghton, Edward W. Llewellin, Tim R. Orr, Jacopo Taddeucci, Rebecca J. Carey, Ulrich Kueppers, Damien Gaudin, Matthew R. Patrick, Michael Burton, Piergiorgio Scarlato, Alessandro La SpinaGroundwater dynamics at Kīlauea Volcano and vicinity, Hawaiʻi
Kīlauea Volcano, on the Island of Hawaiʻi, is surrounded and permeated by active groundwater systems that interact dynamically with the volcanic system. A generalized conceptual model of Hawaiian hydrogeology includes high-level dike-impounded groundwater, very permeable perched and basal aquifers, and a transition (mixing) zone between freshwater and saltwater. Most high-level groundwater is assoAuthorsShaul Hurwitz, Sara E. Peek, Martha A. Scholl, Deborah Bergfeld, William C. Evans, James P. Kauahikaua, Stephen B. Gingerich, Paul A. Hsieh, R. Lopaka Lee, Edward F. Younger, Steven E. Ingebritsen - News
*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