Recent eruptions of the Mount Redoubt Volcano near Anchorage in the summer of 2009 highlight the important mission of U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) sponsored volcano observatories operated by the agency in Alaska and across the country. Volcano observatories monitor and analyze the activity of active volcanic regions, conduct geophysical research and distribute safety warning information concerning eruptions to residents and local governments.
The funding of these important monitoring facilities has been lacking in recent years and funds have been made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to upgrade data communication systems in the North Marianas Island and improve monitoring capabilities of the five observatories found in the states of Alaska, Wyoming, Hawaii, California and Washington.
In a press release announcing the new funding effective August 13, 2009, Secretary of Interior Salazar says, “These stimulus funds will not only create or preserve jobs, but also could very well preserve lives. The funds help protect both people on the ground as well as airline passengers flying over the eruption-prone regions. At the same time that the funds are helping public safety, they are also spurring scientific innovation with economic benefits.”
Volcano Monitoring Program Funding Provided from ARRA
- Alaska (Observatory): $7,560,000
- California (Observatory): $200,000
- Hawaii (Observatory): $3,300,000
- North Marianas Islands (Data Networking): $800,000
- Washington (Observatory): $2,500,000
- Wyoming (Observatory): $950,000
Mission of the Volcano Hazards Program
Through its system of volcano observatories, the USGS operates its national Volcano Hazards Program. There are some 169 volcanoes in the United States and its territories that are capable of eruption. Major potential for eruption exists in areas like Yellowstone National Park and Seattle, Washington. An eruption can not only be life threatening, but as seen in Alaska’s Redoubt Volcano eruptions of 2009, they can severely disrupt airline and air cargo traffic because of ejected ash plumes.
The mission of the Volcano Hazards Program encompasses several activites:
- Placement of geophysical instruments using GPS technology on volcanoes to monitor activity
- Satellite detection of volcanic ash plumes, hot spots, and gasses
- Thermal imaging of volcanic regions by aircraft
- Primary research into the nature of volcanic eruptions, activity and their risks
- Communication of eruption hazards to nearby communities
ARRA funding will be used to improve the capability of the USGS to monitor active volcanoes and effectively transmit warning information to residents of communities that could be effected by an eruption. Funds are also being committed to support of university research on volcanology, hazard assessment, and effective eruption monitoring systems. Use of the stimulus funding will support jobs in public agencies, universities, and the private sector.
Alan Sorum - Alan Sorum is the Maritime Operations Project Manager for the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council (PWSRCAC). Alan is ...
