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Faculty
Faculty members affiliated with the University of Alaska Fairbanks Volcanology Group
Jim Begét
Dr. Jim Begét Professor of Geology University of Alaska Fairbanks, Department of Geology and Geophysics
Ph.D., 1981 University of Washington (Seattle)
M.S., 1977 University of Washington (Seattle)
B.A., 1974 Columbia University
University of Alaska Fairbanks Department of Geology and Geophysics
P.O. Box 755780, Fairbanks, AK 99775-5780
Phone: 907-474-5301 Fax: 907-474-5163
E-mail: ffjeb1 [at] uaf [dot] edu
Dr. Begét studies the Quaternary history of volcanic and glaciated regions. He is currently investigating the history and distribution of Late Pleistocene and Holocene volcanic ash falls in Alaska. Tephra deposits are being studied in areas near Fairbanks and the central Alaska Range, as well as near source volcanoes on the Aleutian Peninsula and the Wrangell Mountains. Studies of the age, volume, and geochemical characteristics of ash layers will develop the tephrochronologic dating method for Quaternary sediments in Alaska, and help reconstruct eruption histories for active Alaskan volcanoes. Dr. Begét is also reconstructing glacier profiles, dynamics, and chronologies for Pleistocene ice sheets and glaciers. In addition, investigations of stratigraphy and physical characteristics of thick loess deposits in Alaska are being studied as proxy records of climate changes in the Arctic during the last 1,000 to 1,000,000 years. Jim has been involved with the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) since its founding in 1986, and also receives research support from the National Science Foundation. He is currently president of the Commission on Tephrochronology and Volcanology of the International Quaternary Association (INQUA-COTAV), and is also a member of the Leader's Group of the Past Global Climate Change Program of the International Geosphere-Biosphere Project (IGBP-PAGES), researching Volcano-Climate Interactions. His current research program emphasizes tephra studes and volcano eruption histories, and has involved projects at Augustine, Redoubt, Spurr, Iliamna, Douglass, Katmai, Shishaldin Makushin, and other volcanoes in the eastern Aleutian arc.
Ken Dean
Ken Dean Research Professor University of Alaska Fairbanks, UAF/GI
M.S., 1979 University of Alaska Fairbanks
B.S., 1972 Northern Arizona University
Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks
903 Koyukuk Drive, P.O. Box 757320, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320
Phone: 907-474-7364 Fax: 907-474-7290
E-mail: kdean [at] dino [dot] gi [dot] alaska [dot] edu
Kenneson G. Dean leads the satellite-monitoring group for the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) project in Fairbanks. Research objectives include dynamics, spectral properties and composition of eruption clouds; the dynamics and sources of thermal anomalies; and changes in surface landforms caused by eruptions. Satellite data are used to detect, monitor and analyze potential airborne and surface hazards resulting from volcanic eruptions, including volcanic clouds and thermal anomalies. Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES), Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR), and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) images are used for daily monitoring and analysis. AVHRR and MODIS data are received and analyzed in real-time at stations at the Geophysical Institute. GOES data is received over computer networks. Landsat, Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data are used for retrospective studies of surface volcanic processes.
Volcanoes in the North Pacific Region include those in Alaska and on the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia, are the primary focus of these studies. Analyzed images are shared with various components of the AVO through a file server and ftp in near real-time. . Another component of his research involves the Puff dispersion model, which is used to predict the movement, dynamics and structure of volcanic ash clouds. The model uses current wind fields to track hypothetical particles on a global or regional scale. Dispersion, settling, particle size, plume height and shape of the eruption column are input parameters. The model is used for both volcano monitoring and research. The focus of research includes probability maps of the distribution of ash particles in the North Pacific Region, model sensitivity analyses and fallout predictions. The model is actively updated and improved based on research results. Ken teaches a graduate class entitled, "Remote Sensing of Volcanic Eruptions," (GEOS 692) in the Department of Geology and Geophysics. This class is taught every other year and is focused on satellite monitoring techniques used at AVO and other volcano observatories around the world. Jonathan Dehn is a co-instructor for the class. Graduate students under Ken's direction learn about acquisition, processing and analysis of satellite data, and how these data are used to monitor and study volcanic processes. Students are a critical component to daily volcano monitoring for the AVO project.
Completed Student Theses:
- SO2 emitted by volcanoes in the North Pacific Region, Courtney Kearney
- Dynamics of thermal anomalies at active domes, Andrea Kearney
- Numerical Modeling of Lava Flow Cooling Applied to the 1997 Okmok Eruption: Comparison with AVHRR Satellite Imagery - MS Thesis, Matthew Patrick
- An Analysis of Volcanic Plume Ash Plume Movement and Dispersion within the North Pacific Region - MS Thesis, Kenneth R. Papp
- Satellite Thermal Remote Sensing of the Volcanoes of Alaska and Kamchatka During 1994-1996 and the 1994 Eruption of Kliuchevskoi Volcano - MS Thesis - W. Christopher Wyatt
- Merging Remotely Sensed Data with Geophysical Parameters - PhD Dissertation, Craig Searcy
Jonathan Dehn
Dr. Jonathan Dehn Research Associate Professor University of Alaska Fairbanks, UAF/GI
Ph.D., 1992 Christian-Albrecht, Universität Kiel (Germany)
M.S., 1987 Arizona State University
B.S., 1984 Arizona State University
Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks
903 Koyukuk Drive, P.O. Box 757320, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320
Phone: 907-474-6499 Fax: 907-474-5618
E-mail: jdehn [at] gi [dot] alaska [dot] edu [Home Page]
Dr. Dehn studies volcanology through remote sensing techniques at the Alaska Volcano Observatory. He organized the first Internal Workshop on Kamchatkan-Aleutian Subduction Processes in Petropavlosk, Russia, and has started new collaborations with colleagues throughout the North Pacific Region. Before coming to the Geopyhsical Institute, Dehn held positions at Kiel University's GEOMAR marine research center in Germany, and at the Geolog
ical Survey of Japan's Hokkaido Branch in Sapporo. Dehn is also a three-time Fulbright Scholar to Germany.
Jeffrey T. Freymueller
Dr. Jeffrey T. Freymueller Professor of Geophysics University of Alaska Fairbanks, UAF/GI
Ph.D., (Geophysics) 1991 University of Southern Carolina
M.S., (Geophysics) 1988 University of Southern Carolina
B.S., (Geophysics) 1985 California Institute of Technology
Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks
903 Koyukuk Drive, P.O. Box 757320, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320
Phone: 907-474-7286 Fax: 907-474-7290
E-mail: jeff [dot] freymueller [at] alaska [dot] edu [Home Page]
Dr. Freymueller is a member of the Seismology Group at the Geophysical Institute, and a cooperating faculty member of the Department of Geology and Geophysics. His current research interests include:
- the active tectonics of Alaska
- ground deformation due to active volcanism in Alaska
- behavior of the San Andreas fault system in Northern California, and the partitioning of plate boundary deformation in the western United States
- the partitioning of deformation among the various elements of the India/Eurasia plate boundary zone
Dr. Freymueller has conducted his research in Alaska, California, China and South America, and has active involvement in regional studies of crustal movements on three continents, as well as global studies.
Pavel Izbekov
Dr. Pavel Izbekov Research Associate University of Alaska Fairbanks, UAF/GI
Ph.D. Geology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2002
B.Sc. Geochemistry, Novosibirsk State University (Russia), 1992
Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks
903 Koyukuk Drive, P.O. Box 757320, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320
Phone: 907-474-5269
E-mail: pavel [at] gi [dot] alaska [dot] edu [Home Page]
Pavel is the Research Associate with the Geophysical Institute, who investigates magma processes in volcanic arcs through petrologic and experimental studies of igneous rocks. He has expertise in igneous petrology, experimental petrology, analytical techniques, and remote sensing. He involves students in extensive hard-core field works through International Volcanological School and various research projects in Alaska and Kamchatka. Current research topics include (1) magma system response to edifice collapse - Bezymianny case study, (2) Pre-eruptive conditions of the 2008 Kasatochi magma, (3) Petrology of the 2009 Sarychev Peak eruption, and (4) Compositional stratigraphy of plagioclases at Augustine volcano.
Jessica Faust Larsen
Dr. Jessica Faust Larsen Associate Professor of Volcanology Dept. of Geology and Geophysics and Geophysical Institute
Ph.D., 1996, M.S., 1993, B.A., 1991 University of California, Santa Cruz
Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks
903 Koyukuk Drive, P.O. Box 757320, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320
Phone: 907-474-7992 Fax: 907-474-5163
E-mail: jflarsen [at] alaska [dot] edu
Website: https://sites.google.com/a/alaska.edu/jessica-f-larsen/
Larsen is a Research Associate Professor with the Geophysical Institute. Jessica's graduate (UCSC) and post-graduate (CalTech and UAF) work has focused on experimental mineral physics applied to understanding water storage in the mantle, the fate of subducting oceanic crust and lithosphere, formation of the Earth’s atmosphere through shock loading experiments on mixtures of iron and serpentine. Since arriving at UAF in 1997, Jessica’s work has focused on applying igneous petrology to understanding active volcanism, through field-based and laboratory studies of Aleutian arc and other magmatic systems. Jessica oversees the UAF Experimental Petrology Lab, and works with the Alaska Volcano Observatory to map and constrain eruptive histories of active Aleutian arc volcanoes. Major research themes include:
- Experimental determination of vesiculation processes in silicate melts. This project involves constraining bubble nucleation rates and mechanisms, coalescence rates, conditions of equilibrium vs. disequilibrium degassing, and the development of bubble/vesicle size distributions. (NSF)
- Crystallization kinetics and phase equilibria studies of Aleutian basaltic-andesites and phonolite and tephriphonolite magmas from the 79 AD eruption of Vesuvius (with Lucia Gurioli or U. Hawaii; NSF).
- Okmok volcano geology. Field-group leader for AVO effort. Focus: Stratigraphy, petrology, and geochemistry of the Holocene caldera-forming eruptions, updating the geologic map (with Tina Neal, Janet Schaefer, Chris Nye, and Jim Beget). (AVO)
- Western Aleutians geological studies. Project chief for the AVO mapping and hazards report mission. Field work conducted on Semisopochnoi and Little Sitkin volcanoes September 2005. Supported by ship-based helicopter. Focus: geologic maps, eruptive histories, and hazards assessment (with Tina Neal and Michelle Coombs). (AVO).
Paul Layer
Dr. Paul Layer Professor of Geophysics, Geophysical Institute and Department of Geology and Geophysics
Interim Dean, College of Natural Science and Mathematics University of Alaska Fairbanks
1981 B.S. Geology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich.
1984 M.S. Geophysics, Stanford University, Stanford, California
1986 Ph.D. Geophysics, Stanford University, Stanford, California
College of Natural Science and Mathematics
358 Reichardt Building, 900 Yukon Drive
P.O. Box 755940
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK 99775-5940
Phone: 907-474-5514
E-mail: pwlayer [at] alaska [dot] edu [Home Page]
Paul currently wears many hats. First, he is a researcher as director of the Geophysical Institute Geochronology Laboratory. His research focuses on use of the 40Ar/39Ar dating technique to investigate geological and geophysical problems in Alaska and elsewhere. Applications include determining the age of plutonism and tectonic events such as the uplift of the Alaska Range, dating of volcanoes in Alaska and elsewhere, and constraining the time of formation of mineral deposits. Paul enjoys collaborating with geoscientists from around the world on projects where argon geochronology can offer new insights and constraints to their research. He is currently involved in a major international collaborative project with Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México in Mexico City (UNAM) looking at volcanism in Mexico. The project members are looking at several different aspects of Mexican volcanism including: (i) argon as a tracer of magmatic processes at El Chichón volcano, (ii) volcanic hazards in the Mexico City area, (iii) the ages and evolution of large monogenetic volcanic fields, and (iv) geothermal resources associated with volcanism at Los Azufres volcanic field and at El Chichón.
Paul is also a Professor of Geophysics in the Department of Geology and Geophysics and supervise graduate and undergraduate students and teach classes on introductory geology, graduate geochronology and the use of statistical methods in the geosciences.
As of February 2009, Dr. Layer is the Interim Dean of the College of Natural Science and Mathematics, supervising over 100 faculty in 7 academic departments. He believes that the best thing about his job is that he gets to read all M.S. and Ph.D. theses from a wide variety of disciplines and learn about all of the exciting cutting-edge research we do in mathematics and the physical and life sciences.
Steve McNutt
Dr. Steve McNutt UAF Volcanology Research Group Leader
Research Professor, Volcano Seismology Alaska Volcano Observatory, UAF/GI
Ph.D., 1985 Columbia University
1984, M. Phil., M.S., 1982 Columbia University
B.A., 1977 Wesleyan University
Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks
903 Koyukuk Drive, P.O. Box 757320, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320
Phone: 907-474-7131 Fax: 907-474-5618
E-mail: steve [at] giseis [dot] alaska [dot] edu [Home Page]
Dr. McNutt's primary research focus is in the field of volcano seismology. Current research topics include studies of source and propagation effects for volcanic tremor, low-frequency volcanic earthquakes, and explosion earthquakes at Kilauea, Spurr and Arenal volcanoes; volcanic hazards assessments in Alaska and Central America; the mechanical behavior of volcanoes including periodicity of eruptions, and the effects of earth tides, sea level variations, and tectonic stresses on eruptive activity; volcanic lightning; and development of new air-deployable seismometers for use in otherwise inaccessible areas. Student Opportunities: Students are involved in all phases of study and monitoring of Alaska's volcanoes.
Chris Nye
Dr. Chris Nye Research Assistant Professor of Geology Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys
Ph.D., 1983 University of California, Santa Cruz
1978, M.S.; B.S., 1976, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks
903 Koyukuk Drive, P.O. Box 757320, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320
Phone: 907-474-7430 Fax: 907-474-5618
E-mail: cnye [at] giseis [dot] alaska [dot] edu
Dr. Nye focuses on the geochemistry, petrology and geology of convergent margin volcanoes, most notable those in Alaska. Applications include the petrogenesis of volcanic rocks, recycling of crustal material in subduction zones, and description of temporal variations in magmatic plumbing systems that produce geothermal reservoirs. Chris manages the participation within AVO of the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys. Duties include operational, managerial, and programmatic tasks, and studies of active volcanism and volcanic deposits. Research focuses on the geochemistry, petrology and geology of convergent margin volcanoes, with special emphasis on detailed trace-element geochemical studies of individual volcanoes in an attempt to understand temporal variations in their magmatic plumbing systems. Additional interests involve more topical research into the petrogenesis of volcanic rocks and contamination of Aleutian lavas by the upper crust.
Peter Webley
Dr. Peter Webley Assistant Research Professor, volcanic ash clouds and remote sensing University of Alaska Fairbanks, UAF/GI
Ph.D., 2003 ESSC, University of Reading, UK
M.S., 1998, University of East Anglia, UK
B.S., 1997 University of East Anglia, UK
Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks
903 Koyukuk Drive, P.O. Box 757320, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320
Phone: 907-474-1542 Fax: 907-474-5618
E-mail: pwebley [at] alaska [dot] edu [Home Page]
Peter is responsible for the Puff volcanic ash dispersion and transport model, http://puff.images.alaska.edu. This model is used by the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO), Anchorage and Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers (VAAC) for tracking volcanic ash clouds during a volcanic eruption. Over the past 2 years, he has been solely responsible for the Puff model developments and is the main contact for the Puff model, relating to its operational predictions and I maintain the online web-based version, so that it can be used during a volcanic crisis. Peter is also a member of the AVO remote sensing team and once every several weeks, he is the Duty Remote Sensor. He has extensive skills in the analysis of satellite data for thermal activity and using the reverse absorption technique for detecting and tracking of ash clouds.
Recently, Peter has developed automated predictions from the Puff model for volcanic ash eruption clouds from active volcanoes. He has setup the model to produce predictions for eruption clouds at numerous volcanoes, from initial plume heights of 4 – 20 km. Under a volcanic crisis, these predictions allow the decision making authorities at the National Weather Service and AVO to provide a quick assessment of the ash clouds future location. Then a volcanic ash advisory and SIGMET can be released. The installation of these automated predictions is a result of my correspondence between the Anchorage VAAC and Anchorage Aviation Weather Unit (AAWU). Peter has also developed links with the Darwin VAAC and scientists in Italy and Ecuador to produce automated predictions for other volcanoes outside the North Pacific region. All of these predictions can be found on the Puff website.
Michael West
Dr. Michael West
Research Assistant Professor, earthquake and volcano seismology University of Alaska Fairbanks, UAF/GI
Ph.D., 2001 Columbia University
1998, M.S., Columbia University
B.A., 1993 Colorado College.
Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks
903 Koyukuk Drive, P.O. Box 757320, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320
Phone: 907-474-6977 Fax: 907-474-5618
E-mail: mewest [at] alaska [dot] edu [Home Page]
West focuses on the processes that cause earthquake swarms and techniques to infer the structure of the shallow Earth from seismicity. Much of his research is applied to exotic seismic sources such as those generated by volcanoes and glaciers. His work seeks to explain volcanic processes and improve eruption forecasting. He is part of the Alaska Volcano Observatory and the Seismology Lab at the Geophysical Institute. Domestic and foreign field projects--in Russia, Bolivia, Mexico and Chile--are the foundation for much of his research. His group specializes in seismic network operations in remote locations. He also works closely with seismic data feeds from across Alaska and the Aleutians. These real time data are used for everything from characterizing large earthquakes, to monitoring volcanoes and glaciers, to tracking geothermal systems. An unusual aspect of West's group is the emphasis on developing emerging research techniques into production-ready tools that are applied in-house to improve earthquake and volcano monitoring systems.
Staff
Ed Clark
Research Technician
Alaska Volcano Observatory, UAF/GI
B.P.S. Nat. Res. Mgmt., Geologic Interpretation, 1980, State Univ. College of NY at Brockport
Graduate Special Student, 1995-1997, Dartmouth College
B.S. Geology, 2000, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Phone: 907-474-1149 Fax: 907-474-5618
E-mail: eclark [at] gi [dot] alaska [dot] edu
Ed worked for the Alaska Earthquake Information Center from 1999 until he came to AVO in May 2003. His position has him ordering, preparing, testing, shiping, installing, servicing, and repairing (whew!) scientific instrumenation for volcano monitoring.
What sorts of instruments? These include but are not limited to Seismometers, Pressure Sensors, Electric Field Detectors, Lightning Detectors, and web cameras. Ed finds the challenge of getting scientific instrumentation to function prope
rly in the harsh volcanic environment of the Alaska Peninsula and the Aleutian Islands to be very rewarding and enjoys the close camaraderie between the faculty, students and staff in a community that brings out the best in all its members.
James Dixon
Geophysicist Alaska Volcano Observatory, USGS
M.S. Geophysics, 1991 University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK
B.S. Electrical Engineering, 1990 University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK
B.A. Geology, 1984 University of California Santa Barbara
Phone: 907-474-7099 Fax: 907-474-5618
E-mail: jpdixon [at] usgs [dot] gov [Home Page]
Steve Estes
Research Professional Alaska Earthquake Information Center, UAF/GI
University of Alaska '78 MS, Geophysics, Seismology
University of Hawaii '74 BS, Geophysics, Geology
University of Hawaii '72 BSEE , Electrical Engineering,Computers
Phone: 907-474-7425 Fax: 907-474-5618
E-mail: estes [at] gi [dot] alaska [dot] edu [Home Page]
Alexander "Max" Kaufman
Research Technician University of Alaska Fairbanks, UAF/GI
E-mail: amkaufman [at] alaska [dot] edu
Max is a member of the Geodesy group, installing and maintaining GPS stations throughout Alaska. He also finds himself often helping out with other geophysical installations.
Mitch Robinson
System Analyst
Seismology Department
University of Alaska Fairbanks, UAF/GI
Phone: 907-474-5618 Fax: 907-474-5618
E-mail: mitch [at] giseis [dot] alaska [dot] edu [Home Page]
Scott Stihler
Seismic Research Analyst
Alaska Volcano Observatory, UAF/GI
University of Michigan: BS Geology 1982
University of South Carloina: MS Geology 1985
University of Alaska Fairbanks: MS Geophysics 1991
Phone: 907-474-5450 Fax: 907-474-5618
E-mail: scott [at] giseis [dot] alaska [dot] edu [Home Page]
Dr. Glenn Thompson
Network Seismologist
Alaska Volcano Observatory, UAF/GI
B.Sc. in Theoretical Physics and Applied Mathematics, University of St. Andrews, 1993
Advanced M.Sc. in Geophysics, University of Durham, 1994
Ph.D. in Volcano-Seismology, University of Leeds, 1999
Phone: 907-474-7424 Fax: 907-474-5618
E-mail: gthompson [at] alaska [dot] edu [Home Page]
Glenn first came to the Alaska Volcano Observatory as a postdoc in 1998 and built a web-based monitoring and alarm system for Alaskan volcanoes. From 2000-2004 he undertook an exciting assignment as the Senior Seismologist and Deputy Director of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, working on one of the world's most dangerous volcanoes. There he upgraded the seismic network and acquisition systems and developed new alarm, analysis and archival systems, and moved the seismic monitoring to a new observatory. He returned to Alaska in 2006 to work at the Alaska Earthquake Information Center where he developed seismic monitoring systems for emergency operations centers throughout the state and for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, and on enhancing the AEIC Shakemap system. He rejoined AVO in 2008 and is working with Dr. Mike West to enhance AVO's seismic monitoring capabilities.
Volcano-seismic monitoring is a very rewarding field because it allows us to forecast dome collapses and explosive eruptions and alert the authorities as soon as this activity occurs. It saves lives and allows the authorities to reduce economic losses. To advance this field I would encourage young scientists to volunteer at volcano observatories, and take classes.
Students
Volcanology graduate students are actively engaged in volcanic research. From geophysical instrument installation and repair to mapping, sampling and analysis, our students are in the thick of things.
Current students:
- Christopher Bruton
- Helena Buurman
- Nicole DeRoin
- Angela Ekstrand
- Ronni Grapenthin
- Sarah Henton
- Taryn Lopez
- David McAlpin
- Summer Miller
- Celso Reyes
- Peter Rinkleff
- Jill Shipman
- Torge Steensen
- Annie Worden
Christopher Bruton
MS student in Geophysics Volcano Seismology
B.Sc. (Hons.) in Geophysics, 2009, University of Calgary
Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks
903 Koyukuk Drive, P.O. Box 757320, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320
Phone: 907-474-5517 Fax: 907-474-5618
E-mail: cpbruton [at] alaska [dot] edu [Home Page]
Christopher was born and raised in Alberta, Canada. His background is in exploration geophysics, but he decided to switch gears and study volcanoes in Alaska. Here he is developing an improved method of automatically classifying volcanic earthquakes.
Advisors: Michael West
Helena Buurman
Ph.D. student in Geophysics Volcano SeismologyBSc. (hons)
Geophysics, University of Edinburgh
M.S. in Geophysics (Volcano Seismology) 2009, University of Alaska FaibranksGeophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks
903 Koyukuk Drive, P.O. Box 757320, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320
Phone: 907-474-7309 Fax: 907-474-5618
E-mail: helena [at] gi [dot] alaska [dot] edu
Helena is persuing a career that would land her in a volcano observatory. UAF for me is a great balance of research, monitoring and fieldwork. Living in Alaska is fun too. Sometimes I get moose in my garden.
Advisors: Michael West , Stephanie Prejean, Jeffrey T. Freymueller, Glenn Thompson
Nicole DeRoin
Ph.D. student in Geophysics Volcano Seismology
B.S. in Physics from Hastings College
Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks
903 Koyukuk Drive, P.O. Box 757320, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320
Phone: 907-474-5517 Fax: 907-474-5618
E-mail: nderoin [at] alaska [dot] edu
Nicole has been working on projects involving seismology combined with visual observations to better understand volcano phenomena. Currently she studies rockfalls at Augustine, using seismic data and webcams.“I think Alaska is a great place to be a student; the summers are great for hiking and kayaking, and winters are good for getting research done. I've also had the opportunity to do fieldwork and help with installing seismic instruments at Okmok and Augustine volcanoes, which were both great experiences.”
Advisors: Steve McNutt , Doug Christensen, Michael West, and Jeffrey T. Freymueller
MS student in Geophysics Remote Sensing
E-mail: ekstranda [at] gmail [dot] com
Ronni Grapenthin
Ph.D. student in Geophysics Geodesy
Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks
903 Koyukuk Drive, P.O. Box 757320, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320
Phone: 907 474 7428 Fax: 907-474-5618
E-mail: ronni [at] gi [dot] alaska [dot] edu [Home Page]
After failing as a rock star and getting a MS in Computer Science, Ronni escaped the prospect of becoming a software developer involved in more or less exciting projects that are more or less relevant by moving on to more grad school. Geophysics seemed like the perfect combination of his interests in signal processing, programming and field work. Alaska then added the necessary sense of adventure to the whole undertaking. And what's better then living in a dry cabin in a sometimes really cold desert squatting mosquitoes during the long summer days or stalking moose under the aurora?
In his current work Ronni focuses on volcano deformation which he studies with geodetic tools such as GPS and various modeling and signal processing methods. General questions to be answered during his thesis work include what GPS can tell us about the short term evolution of surface displacements during volcanic crises and how we can separate various signal sources that are superimposed in one GPS time series. Case studies include the 2009 Mt. Redoubt eruption in Alaska and the Bezymianny volcano in Kamchatka, Russia which he studies as part of the PIRE project.
During his time at UAF Ronni got to do fieldwork in various regions in Alaska such as the Kenai Peninsula, the St. Elias Mountains, or the Glenn Highway which in fact is so gorgeous that it needs to be mentioned. His repeated visits to Kamchatka had him spent multiple weeks at the volcanoes Bezymianny, Karymsky, Mutnovski and Goreli.
Before coming to Alaska Ronni had already developed an interest in crustal deformation due to surface loads which resulted in the the simulation tool CrusDe which he continues to improve during his time here. He also thought it would be a good thing for incoming students to learn how that whole programming thing works which resulted in the Beyond the Mouse course..
Advisors: Jeffrey T. Freymueller, Chris Larsen, Doug Christensen, Ed Bueler
Sarah Henton
Ph.D. student in geophysics Volcanology (Experimental Petrology/ Geology)
BSc Geosciences, The Open University, UK
BA Politics and Geography, University of New castle upon Tyne, UK
Reichardt Building Room 308,
900 Yukon Drive, P.O. Box 755780, Fairbanks, AK 99775-5780
Phone: 907-687-7591
E-mail: shenton [at] alaska [dot] edu
My research at UAF is focused on understanding the geothermobarometry of deposits from the 2006 eruption of Augustine Volcano, Alaska. I also dabble with other other volcanoes, including Redoubt (Alaska) and Soufriere Hills (Montserrat). I mainly use techniques from petrology, experimental petrology and x-ray spectroscopy. I decided to come to Alaska because it offered an unparalleled opportunity to combine graduate studies with operational volcano monitoring through AVO. There really is no better place that Alaska to get up close and personal with volcanoes. The other things i love about being at UAF and in Fairbanks is the totally laid back life style, lack of traffic, 5 minute commute to work, and the weird and wonderful people i get to interact with on a daily basis.
Advisors: Jessica Faust Larsen, Jeffrey T. Freymueller, Ken Severin, Michelle Coombs, Pavel Izbekov
Taryn Lopez
Ph.D. student in environmental chemistry
Volcanic gas chemistry
M.S. Geology, Michigan Technological University, 2006
B.S. Geology, University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, 2003
Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks
903 Koyukuk Drive, P.O. Box 757320, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320
Phone: 907-474-5713 Fax: 907-474-5618
E-mail: tlopez [at] gi [dot] alaska [dot] edu
Taryn's primary research project involves measuring the volcanic gases emitted at Bezymianny volcano (Kamchatka, Russia) and using the chemical signatures of these emissions to answer answer questions about the subsurface system. She is also interested in developing new tools at AVO for monitoring volcanic gases in the North Pacific. For example, she has been working on a project to validate the OMI satellite sensor' measurements of volcanic SO2 and to develop a method to integrate these satellite measurements into the AVO gas database.
Advisors: Cathy Cahill, Jonathan Dehn, Cindy Werner, Bill Simpson, Rainer Newberry
David McAlpin
Ph.D. student in geology Volcanic Hazards
Looking at the lahar that came down the Drift river, using a multisensor approach to get volume est.
Advisors: Jim Begét
Summer Miller
MS student in geophysics Geodesy
B.S. Geology, 2005, University of California at Santa Barbara
Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks
903 Koyukuk Drive, P.O. Box 757320, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320
Phone: 907-474-5997 Fax: 907-474-5618
E-mail: summer [at] gi [dot] alaska [dot] edu
Summer is studying deformation on Okmok volcano using a combination of InSAR and GPS processing. She is interested in using both techniques to better constrain deformation from the 2008 eruption to present day. She has always had a fascination with volcanoes and earthquakes and continues to be intrigued by associated processes.
Advisors: Jeffrey T. Freymueller, Franz Meyer, Don Atwood
Celso Reyes
Ph.D. student in geophysics Volcano Seismology
B. S. 2002 Geology (summa cum laude), Northern Arizona University
A.A. 1991 Computer Science, Miami-Dade Community College
Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks
903 Koyukuk Drive, P.O. Box 757320, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320
Phone: 907-474-5517 Fax: 907-474-5618
E-mail: cgreyes [at] alaska [dot] edu [Home Page]
Celso came up from the deserts and highlands of Arizona to study volcano seismicity in Alaska's volcanic playground. While at NAU, Celso received a space grant to work on an instrument that would measure heat flow on the surface of Venus. For his current project, he has developed MATLAB codes to help with seismic waveform analysis and is applying those codes to the problem of tremor location.
With AVO, he has had the opportunity to travel the volcanic arc from Redoubt to Kiska and has been involved with numerous volcanic eruption responses.
Advisors: Steve McNutt, Jessica Faust Larsen, Doug Christensen, Michael West
Peter Rinkleff
Ph.D. student in geology Volcanology and Atmospheric Remote Sensing
Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks
903 Koyukuk Drive, P.O. Box 757320, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320
Phone: 907-474-1157 Fax: 907-474-5618
E-mail: prenkleff [at] gi [dot] alaska [dot] edu
Peter is involved with the collection and characterization of volcanic aerosols, development and deployment of aerosol impactors.
Advisors: Cathy Cahill, Jonathan Dehn, Ken Dean, Dave Schneider
Jill Shipman
Ph.D. student in geophysics
B.S., 2001 University of Texas-Dallas
Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks
903 Koyukuk Drive, P.O. Box 757320, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320
Fax: 907-474-5618
E-mail: jshipman [at] giseis [dot] alaska [dot] edu
Jill is looking at populations of different crystals' petrological signatures and what they tell us of volcanic processes such as transport times. Jill also works on the PIRE project
Advisors: John Eichelberger, Pavel Izbekov
Torge Steensen 
Ph.D. student in Geophysics Remote Sensing
MSc, United Kingdom
BSc, Germany
Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks
903 Koyukuk Drive, P.O. Box 757320, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320
Phone: 907-474-6032
E-mail: tsteensen "at" gi.alaska.edu
"Torge previously graduated in Germany (BSc) and the United Kingdom (MSc), looking for a way to apply remote sensing to natural hazards. As a Remote Senser, his field areas stretch from is Sarychev Peak, in the Russian Kurile Islands, over the Aleutian Arc all the way to Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland. While at UAF, he is concentrating on the remote sensing of volcanic eruptions, improving capabilities of detecting erupted ash masses and validating/improving ash dispersion forecast models."
Advisors: Peter Webley, Dave Schneider, Jim Begét, Martin Stuefer
Annie Worden
M.S. student in geology Remote Sensing
B.S. Geology, 2007, North Dakota
Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks
903 Koyukuk Drive, P.O. Box 757320, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320
Phone: 907-474-6839 Fax: 907-474-5618
E-mail: akworden "at" gi.alaska.edu
Annie is working with volcano remote sensing, thermal research in particular. Her field site is in Stromboli, Italy
Advisors: Jonathan Dehn, Peter Webley, Doug Christensen
Alumni
Recent graduates:
- 2005: Courtney Kearney
- 2005: Jennifer Adleman
- 2005: Dr. John Sanchez
- 2005: Steve Smith
- 2004: Benjamin Andrews
- 2004: Lilly Wong
- 2004: Lindsay Szramek
- 2003: Alain Burgisser
- 2003: Delenora Grey
- 2003: Graham Hill
- 2003: Dr. Pete Stelling
- 2003: Rob Nicholson
- 2002: Dr. Darren Chertkoff
- 2002: Dr. Döerte Mann
- 2002: Dr. Hillary Fletcher
- 2002: Ken Papp
- 2002: Matt Patrick
- 2002: Dr. Scott Dreher
- 2010: Branden Christensen
- 2010: Ophelia George
- 2010: Rachel Puchrik
- 2010: Erika Rader
- 2010: Allison Payne
- 2010: Dr. Matt Gardine
- 2010: Dr. Leslie Almberg
- 2009: Dr. Jason Addison
- 2008: Abagail Gleason
- 2008: Amanda Kolker
- 2008: Dr. Joanna Mongrain
- 2008: Katrina Jacobs
- 2008: Mariah Tilman
- 2008: Dr. Thomas Fornier
- 2007: Daniel Jones
- 2007: Dr. Tanja Petersen
- 2006: Kathleen Davis
- 2005: Dr. Sigrún Hreinsdóttir
- 2005: Andrea Steffke
- 2005: Dr. Brandon Browne
2010 Graduates
B
randen Christensen
M.S., 2010, Geophysics in Volcano Seismology
B.S in Geology at Colgate University in Hamilton, New York
Swarms versus Mainshock-Aftershock Sequences: eruptive seismicity and infrasonics at Kasatochi, Augusting and Tungurahua volcanoes
Advisors: Steve McNutt , Michael West, Doug Christensen
Olphelia George
M.S., 2010, Geophysics Volcano Seismology
Using data collected from seismometers on Bezymianny volcano in Kamchatka, Russia which she helped install combined with data from Mount Spurr, Alaska to focus on analysis of the relationships between deep seismicity and magma generation and transportation.
Advisors: Michael West
Allison Payne
M.S., 2010, Geology Igneous Petrology
Allison has been actively involved with the 2008 eruption of Redoubt
Advisors: John Eichelberger, Chris Nye, Paul Layer, Ken Severin
Dr. Matt Gardine
Ph.D., 2010, Geophysics Volcano Seismology
B.S. in Geophysical Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines
Ph.D. Geophysics, 2010, University of Alaska Fairbanks [Home Page]
Matt studied the deep crustal velocity structure at Colima Volcano, Mexico using seismic tomography, analyzed temporal seismic and stress regimes at Paricutin Volcano, Mexico, and studied the seismic and gas emissions at Fourpeaked Volcano, Alaska in order to gain insight into the transport and storage of magma within the crust beneath different volcanic systems.
Advisors: Michael West, Doug Christensen, Jonathan Dehn, Steve McNutt
Dr. Leslie Almberg
Ph.D. Geology Physical Volcanology
M.S., 2003 University of Alaska Fairbanks
B.S., 2001 University of Washington (Seattle)
[Home Page]
Leslie is utilizing experimental petrology, alteration mineralogy and 3D X-ray tomography to unravel the mysteries of volcanic conduits in dome-forming, intermediate composition volcanoes.
Master's Thesis (2003): Hydrovolcanism in Okmok caldera, Alaska
Advisors: Jessica Faust Larsen, Jeffrey T. Freymueller, Michelle Coombs
2009 Graduates
Dr. Jason Addison
Ph.D., 2009, Geology Tephrochronology and paleoceanography/paleoclimatology
Jason utilized volcanic ash horizons (tephra) as correlative tools to develop consistent chronostratigraphies between marine, terrestrial and ice core records of past environmental change. He has worked with Holocene and Pleistocene tephra deposits from southeast Alaska, the Gulf of Alaska continental shelf and slope, interior Alaska, the Aleutian Islands and the Bering Sea.
Advisors: Jim Begét, Bruce Finney , Nancy Bigelow, Sathy Naidu, Dean Stockwell, Matt Wooller
2008 Graduates
Abagail Gleason
M.S., 2008, Geophysics
Steep-sided domes on Venus: morphologies and emplacement mechanisms reevaluated using high-resolution topography data
Amanda Kolker
M.S., 2008, Geology Volcanology
Geological setting of the central Alaska hot springs belt: implications for geothermal resource capacity and sustainable energy production
Amanda is interested in geothermal systems and their potential for energy use. Her thesis investigated geological controls on subsurface heat and fluid transport in geothermal systems by looking at two high-temperature (volcano-related) geothermal systems; one that is actively being exploited for energy (Mutnovsky Volcano, Kamchatka, Russia) and one that is currently undeveloped but is a potential target for exploitation (Makushin Volcano, Unalaska Island, Alaska.)
Advisors: John Eichelberger, Rainer Newberry, Mary Keskinen, Jessica Faust Larsen
Dr. Joanna Mongrain
Ph.D., 2008, Geophysics Experimental Petrology
Critical parameters in magmatic degassing
Jo modeled conduit processes, especially those related to the nucleation and growth of bubbles.
Advisors: Jessica Faust Larsen, John Eichelberger, Jeffrey T. Freymueller
Katrina Jacobs
M.S., 2008, Geophysics Volcano seismology
[Home Page]
Using seismic b-values to interpret seismicity rates and processes during the Augusting 2006 eruption at Augusting volcano and other Alaskan volcanic earthquake swarms
Katrina went on to do a Ph.D. at the University of Wellington, New Zealand studying earthquake swarm evolution
Advisors: Steve McNutt
Mariah Tilman
M.S., 2008, Geophysics
An investigation of symplectite-rimmed olivine and magmatic processes during the 2006 eruption of Augustine Volcano, Alaska
Advisors: John Eichelberger, Michelle Coombs, Jeffrey T. Freymueller, Pavel Izbeko
Dr. Thomas Fornier
Ph.D., 2008, Geophysics Geodesy
Analysis and interpretation of volcano deformation in Alaska: studies from Okmok and Mt. Veniaminof volcanoes
Advisors: Jeffrey T. Freymueller
2007 Graduates
Daniel Jones
M.S., 2007, Geology
Argo isotopes and geochemistry of El Chichón Volcano, Chiapas, Mexico
Advisors: John Eichelberger
Dr. Tanja Petersen
Ph.D., 2007, Geophysics Volcano seismology
Long-period seismicity at Shishaldin Volcano, Alaska
Tanja studied the seismicity of active volcanoes in order to gain insights into physical processes leading to volcanic eruptions. In June 2001, she started a PhD program by researching low-frequency seismic events at Shishaldin Volcano, Aleutian Arc, Alaska.
Advisors: Steve McNutt , Doug Christensen, Jeffrey T. Freymueller, Jessica Faust Larsen, Jackie Caplan-Auerbach Stelling
2006 Graduates
Kathleen Davis
M.S., 2006, Geology Volcanology
Volcanic, tectonic, and tsunamigenic events recorded in peats near Millers Landing, Homer, Alaska
Kathleen used the dispersal and chemical characteristics of tephra deposits to understand volcanic eruption histories, which help volcanologists determine future eruption hazards of a given system
Advisors: Jim Begét
2005 Graduates
Dr. Sigrún Hreinsdóttir
Ph.D., 2005, Geodesy
Coseismic deformation of the 2001 El Salvador and 2002 Denali Fault earthquakes from GPS geodetic measurements
Post-Doctoral Fellow, University of Arizona
Advisors: Jeffrey T. Freymueller
Andrea Steffke
M.S., 2005, Remote Sensing
Temperatures, thermal fluxes and effusion rates associated with the growth of Bezymianny Volcano using spaceborne thermal infrared data
Andrea studied aspects of the remote sensing of lava domes. She is interested in determining the relationship of thermal anomalies seen in satellite imagery with the changes and growth of active lava domes using MODIS, ASTER, AVHRR and Landsat images of the 2000 eruption of Bezymianny Volcano, Russia
Advisors: Ken Dean, Jonathan Dehn, John Eichelberger
Dr. Brandon Browne
Ph.D. 2005, M.S. 2001
Petrologic and experimental constraints on magma mingling and ascent: examples from Japan and Alaska
Eruptive stratigraphy and the transport and deposition of pyroclastic material from the caldera-forming eruption of Volcán Ceboruco, Nayarit, Mexico
Assistant Professor of Volcanology, California State University, Fullerton
Advisors: John Eichelberger
Courtney Kearney
M.S., 2005, Geophysics Remote Sensing
Detection of volcanic SO in the North Pacific Region using ASTER and MODIS
Courtney studied volcanic SO2 in arctic regions using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS.)
Advisors: Ken Dean, Jonathan Dehn, John Eichelberger
Jennifer
Adleman
M.S., 2005, Volcanology
Analysis of composition and chronology of dome emplacement at Black Peak Volcano, Alaska utilizing aster remote sensing data and field-based studies
Advisors: Jessica Faust Larsen
Dr. John Sanchez 
Ph.D, 2005
M.S., 2000 Volcano Siesmology
Volcano seismology from around the world:
case studies from Mount Pinatubo (Phillipines,) Galeras (Columbia,) Mounts Wrangell and Veniaminof (Alaska.)
Inversion of focal mechanism data for the directions of stress near Redoubt Volcano, Alaska.
Advisors: Steve McNutt
Benjamin Andrews
M.S., 2004
Dynamics of the 240 A.D. caldera-forming eruption of Ksudach Volcano, Kamchatka, Russia
Advisors: John Eichelberger
Lilly Wong
M.S., 2004
Detection Physical volcanology of a sub-Plinian and phreatomagmatic eruption at Okmok Volcano, Alaska:
implications for explosive mafic volcanism
Advisors: Jessica Faust Larsen
Lindsay Szramek 
M.S., 2004
Decompression induced crystallization of basaltic andesite magma : constraints on the eruption of Arenal volcano, Costa Rica
Advisors: Jessica Faust Larsen
2003 Graduates
Dr. Alain Burgisser
Ph.D., 2003
Magmas in motion: degassing in volcanic conduits and fabrics of pyroclastic density current
Advisors: John Eichelberger
Lateral magma transport during the 1912 eruption of Novarupta: insights from magnetic imaging
Advisors: John Eichelberger
Volcanism on Unimak Island, Alaska, USA: a special focus on Shishaidin and Fisher Volcanoes
Advisors: John Eichelberger
The 1931 eruption of Aniakchak volcano, Alaska: deposit characteristics and eruption dynamics
Advisors: Jim Gardner
2003 Graduates
Dr. Darren Chertkoff
Ph.D., 2002
Mafic-silicic magma interactions from volcanic to plutonic:
implications for the evolution and eruption of silicic magma chambers
Advisors: John Eichelberger
Dr. Hillary FletcherCrustal deformation in Alaska measured using the global positioning sytem
Advisors: Jeffrey T. Freymueller
Ken Papp
M.S., 2002
An analysis of volcanic ash plume movement and dispersion within the North Pacific
Explanation
Advisors: Jonathan Dehn
Matt PatrickNumerical modeling of lava flow cooling applied to the 1997 Okmok eruption : comparison with AVHRR thermal imagery
Advisors: Jonathan Dehn
Dr. Scott Dreher The physical volcanology and petrology of the 3400 YBP caldera-forming eruption of Aniakchak Volcano, Alaska
Advisors: John Eichelberger
Other affiliated faculty
Here are listed other experts that are affiliated or associated with the UAF volcanology group. Some work directly on UAF volcanology projects, some are on graduate student committees, while yet others remain available as resources. They represent a variety of agencies, colleges, universities, and disciplines
PhD-2006, University of Tasmania, Volcanology
MSc-1988, UAF, Ore Deposits
BSc – 1984, University of Washington, Geology
Phone: 907-451-5055 Fax: 907-451-5050
E-mail: kate.bull "at" alaska.gov
PRESENT WORK: The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) is a collaboration between three entities: The USGS (based primarily in Anchorage), the Alaska State Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys (DGGS), and the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF). I work for DGGS as part of AVO. My title is Research Volcanologist, but my job description includes a number of tasks: geologic mapping of historically active (and some prehistoric) volcanoes and volcanic deposits; research on volcanic deposits and processes; monitoring of active volcanoes; and also organizing the helicopter and fixed-wing scheduling and logistics for AVO field work.
Part of my job is also to help and advise UAF students involved in volcanology. I am an affiliate professor at UAF, therefore available to be a thesis committee member for graduate students doing research on volcanic-related studies.
HISTORY: My PhD in volcanology was completed at the University of Tasmania, Australia in 2006, under Prof. Jocelyn McPhie. My M.Sc. in Ore Deposit Geology was received from the University Alaska Fairbanks in 1988 under the supervision of Prof. Rainer Newberry, and I received a B.Sc. in Geology from the University of Washington in 1984. Prior to pursuing volcanology, I spent 20 years working as a contract field geologist in mineral exploration, on projects in Alaska, Arizona, Argentina, British Columbia, Greenland and Nepal. For much of that time, my company specialized in working in steep, rugged terrain. I was fortunate to work on a variety of ore deposit types, the majority of which were volcanic-hosted deposits or prospects. The contracts involved geologic mapping (solo and in a team), drill-core logging, geochemical sampling, and running geologic mapping and core-drilling programs.
Associate Professor of Chemistry Chemistry Department, UAF
Ph.D. University of Nevada Reno, 1996. (Physical and Atmospheric Chemistry)
M.S. 1994, University of Washington
B.S. 1990, University of California, Davis
Phone: 907-474-5510 Fax: 907-474-5640
E-mail: ffcfc "at" uaf.edu [Home Page]
Professor Cahill’s research focuses on atmospheric aerosols and their impacts on visibility, global climate, and human health. Her research includes laboratory experiments, modeling, and field studies of atmospheric aerosols and their properties. She is currently investigating the size and composition of particulate matter entering the Arctic from Asia and other continents. In addition, she is quantifying the chemical composition and radiative properties of volcanic aerosols and developing airborne sensors for determining the concentration, composition and potential health effects of atmospheric aerosols.
E-mail: jackie "at" geol.wwu.edu [Home Page]
My main research interests are in volcano seismology and marine hydroacoustics. Here in Alaska my research has focused on seismic and acoustic data collected at Shishaldin volcano. I have used the acoustic data to investigate the mechanics of the 1999 eruption and am currently investigating unsual hybrid earthquakes that took place on Shishaldin in 2002. My Ph.D. research at the University of Hawai`i focused on the seismicity of Lo`ihi submarine volcano as well as hydroacoustic data collected by the Hawai`i Undersea Geo-Observatory (HUGO). Among the signals recorded by HUGO are the first hydroacoustic recordings of confirmed submarine landslides, signals which could prove useful for tsunami monitoring.
Professor of Geophysics UAF/GI
903 Koyukuk Drive, P.O. Box 757320, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320
Phone: 907-474-7426 E-mail: doug "at" giseis.alaska.edu [Home Page]
Dr. Christensen's primary interests are in the field of earthquake seismology and earth structure problems using seismological methods.
Research activities include detailed studies of earthquake sources and rupture processes of large earthquakes using a variety of inversion methods and waveform modelling techniques. Recent research has been centered on large earthquakes in Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, including the 1965 Rat Islands, the 1964 Prince William Sound, and the 1986 Andreanof Islands earthquakes. These studies are aimed toward understanding the nature of interplate coupling, asperity distribution, and the dynamics of the rupture process.
Research interests include general seismicity studies with emphasis on the spatial and temporal variations of intraplate seismicity and their relationships to subduction zone dynamics. Research which focuses on stress variations over short time periods and possible relationship to larger tectonic stresses are currently underway. Stress variations which are related to the major plate interactions often have far reaching effects which can be observed in seismicity patterns and stress orientations in the surrounding region. Similarly, stress variations which can be observed in intraplate settings may often indicate the stress state of the major boundary.
Dr. Christensen is also involved with earth structure studies in various regions of Alaska. These studies use both local and teleseismic data to determine physical properties of the crust and upper mantle.
Dissertation: Experimental and petrologic constraints on magma movement, storage, and interactions at two volcanoes in Katmai National Park, Alaska
Michelle has been a Research Geologist for USGS-AVO in Anchorage since 2004. Her work includes research on a wide variety of topics in geology, petrology, and geochemistry, as well as geologic mapping and hazards assessment. Prior to 2004, Michelle worked for the USGS in Menlo Park, CA, where her research focused on the geochemistry, petrology, and submarine geology of Hawaiian volcanoes. She is currently working on several volcanoes along the Aleutian arc, including Augustine, Spurr, Tanaga, and Gareloi.
Dr. Eichelberger's primary scientific contributions have been toward understanding the origins of andesitic magmas and the factors that control explosive versus effusive eruption styles. The first 17 years of his career were spent in DOE national laboratories, first as a research scientist at Los Alamos and Sandia and later as supervisor of the Geochemistry Division at Sandia. During this time, he led efforts to apply research drilling to volcanic problems and worked closely with both USGS and academic colleagues on drilling projects in Hawaii, the Cascades Range, Long Valley Caldera, and Alaska. Since coming to the University of Alaska in 1991, he has worked to stabilize funding for AVO and to expand the observatory’s monitoring reach westward through the entire Aleutian Arc. In parallel with this growth, he actively advocates raising the level of national and international participation in Aleutian Arc science. He has also continued an interest in exploration of the subsurface through collaborations in volcano drilling in Japan. Dr. Eichelberger is a Fellow of the Geological Society of America, an Associate Editor of the Journal of Geophysical Research, and teaches classes in geology, igneous petrology, and volcanology. Student Opportunities: Currently, my students are working on active volcanic systems on the Alaska Peninsula, Aleutian Islands, and the Kamchatka Peninsula (Russian Far East). In addition, we are active participants in the Unzen Scientific Drilling Project, which will culminate with drilling into the still-hot conduit for the 1990-1995 eruption on Kyushu Island, Japan. I am most excited about recent progress in reinterpreting chemical zonations in caldera-forming eruptions as products of sudden chamber recharge rather than protracted fractionation. I also think that a synthesis of geologic, seismic and geodetic (SAR and GPS) insights may lead to a new view of volcanic fields as dike-fed, with shallow chambers less important than previously believed.
Dr. Keskinen's current research interests include petrologic studies of metamorphic rock suites in Alaska and California aimed towards P-T-time evolution of the Fairbanks mining district, Wrangellia in southeast Alaska and Canada, determination of P-T regime and style of metamorphism indicative of tectonic processes along "terrane" margins, evaluation and interpretation of hydrothermal processes in active and fossil geothermal and volcanic systems, geologic characterization of hydrothermal processes in poly-metamorphosed roof pendant rocks, textural and mineralogical development of metapyroclastic rocks, and low-grade metamorphism of Mn-rich rocks.
Game's research topics include: post-caldera eruptive activity at Aniakchak caldera, catastrophic draining of the intracaldera lake at Aniakchak, experimental photogrammetric measurement of deformation at Augustine volcano, the incorporation of 1989-90 Redoubt tephra into the geologic record, establishment of benchmark photographic stations and the use of repeat photography to document geomorphic changes caused by eruptive activity.
A few of his duties include: mapping and interpretation of Quaternary and recent eruptive products at active Alaskan volcanoes; hazards assessment; eruption crisis response including observation and documentation of volcanic activity, dissemination of information to Federal, State, and local authorities as well as the media, scientific community, and the general public.
Geologist Alaska Volcano Observatory, USGS
M.S. Geological Sciences, Arizona State University, 1986
Sc.B. Geological Sciences, Brown University, 1981
Additional coursework at UC Santa Barbara 1987-1989
Phone: 907-786-7425 E-mail: tneal "at" usgs.gov
I have been working for the USGS on various aspects of volcanology, eruption response, and hazard mitigation since 1983. My introduction to volcanoes started in college looking at Viking Orbiter images of Olympus Mons and other volcanic features on Mars. My first Earthly volcano was Mount St. Helens where I prowled the pumice plain in 1982 and watched wide-eyed as the lava dome above me erupted gas and ash. I learned a great deal about lava and volcano monitoring at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory in the early days of the Pu’u ‘O’o eruption and spent several years mapping the summit and southwest rift zone of Kilauea Volcano. In 1985, I enjoyed a month at sea on an ALVIN expedition to the active propagating rift system near the Galapagos at 95.5°W. I moved to Alaska in 1990 where I have been a geologist on staff at the Alaska Volcano Observatory ever since. I’ve been fortunate to respond to and study major eruptions at Redoubt, Spurr, Augustine, Okmok, and a steady stream of smaller events in the Aleutian arc. My science focuses on deciphering eruptive histories, studies of young pyroclastic deposits and processes, and hazard assessment. Volcanoes where I have spent considerable field time with my AVO and academic colleagues include: Spurr, Redoubt, Ukinrek, Aniakchak, Black Peak, Okmok, and Little Sitkin. Being at an Observatory where there is an emphasis on eruption response, I’ve developed strong interests and experience in managing volcano hazard information, warning systems, interagency coordination, and volcanic ash and aviation hazards. Because Alaska is downwind of Russia, I work with Russian volcanology colleagues in Kamchatka and Sakhalin on Russian eruption warning systems. My professional interests and collaborations have taken me to Russia, Japan, Ecuador, Chile, and Iceland. I completed a two-year detail in Washington D.C. as a Geoscience Advisor to USAID’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance where I developed and facilitated U.S. assistance in disaster mitigation programs abroad.
Dr. Newberry is interested in the genesis and characterization of all ore deposit types, but is especially involved in work with skarn, PGE, greisen, and "metamorphic" vein deposits. Most recently he has studied and published work concerning intrusion-hosted gold deposits. For the last decade he has worked with the Alaska Geological Survey creating 1:63,360 geologic maps in Interior Alaska based on intensive field work and airborne geophysical surveys. He is a senior author for 13 1:63,360 maps covering 6 different 1:250,000 quadrangles of Interior Alaska.
Dr. Power is a volcano seismologist at the Alaska Volcano Observatory
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Ph.D. 1996, University of Roorkee, India: Remote Sensing, Environmental Geology, High Temperature Events (HTE), Coal Fires. Temperature
Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks903 Koyukuk Drive, P.O. Box 757320, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320
Phone: 907-474-1897 E-mail: prakash "at" gi.alaska.edu [Home Page]
Dr. Prakash is a geologist and a remote sensing expert. For the last 10 years the primary focus of her research work has been in using remote sensing and GIS techniques to detect, map, monitor, quantize, model and investigate surface and underground coal fires in coal mining areas and to study the related environmental problems using multisensor, multitemporal satellite and airborne data. Other research interests include: · High Temperature Event (HTE) investigation, viz. volcano eruptions, forest fires, thermal springs, coal fires, urban heating etc, using remote sensing techniques. · Investigating new sensor technologies for the Thermal Infrared region. · Geoenvironmental studies using environmental indicators and impact assessment models in a variety of environments. · Mutisensor (optical, thermal, microwave) image and data fusion for geologic and geoenvironmental applications. · Disseminating remote sensing knowledge to remote communities by developing multimedia and distance learning tools.
Research Geophysicist USGS Alaska Volcano Observatory
Stanford University, Stanford CA, PhD in Geophysics, 2002
Stanford Univesity, Stanford CA, Masters in Geophysics, 2000
University of Memphis, Memphis TN BS in Geology and Geophysics, 1996
Phone: 907-786-7462 E-mail: sprejean "at" usgs.gov
Dr. Stephanie Prejean is a research geophysicist at the USGS Alaska Volcano Observatory in Anchorage, Alaska. As an observatory scientist she interprets seismicity to monitor volcanoes and forecast eruptions. When Stephanie is not responding to volcanic crises, her research focuses on studying the physical processes that trigger earthquakes and using earthquakes to track the movement of magma and high pressure fluids in the crust. Most recently she has explored the possibility of using co-eruptive seismicity to better understand the dynamics of erupting ash columns.
Originally from Louisiana, Stephanie Prejean has moved gradually westward and northward studying active tectonics and volcanism. Stephanie obtained her BS in 1996 from the University of Memphis. There she first worked with the USGS at the Center for Earthquake Research and Information. Stephanie then pursued her PhD at Stanford University under the guidance of Mark Zoback and Bill Ellsworth, studying crustal stress and earthquake sources at the Long Valley caldera, California. After earning her PhD in 2002, Stephanie became a USGS Mendenhall postdoctoral fellow, working closely with David Hill in Menlo Park, California. Stephanie joined the USGS permanently in 2003 at the Alaska Volcano Observatory. In her 7 years at AVO, Stephanie has played a role in forecasting and monitoring eight volcanic eruptions.
M.S., 2002, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Volcanology
B.S., 1993, San Francisco State University, Geology
Phone: 907-451-5005 E-mail: Janet.Schaefer "at" alaska.gov
Janet's current work includes geologic mapping, volcano hazard assessment, GIS, crater lakes, tephra studies, and eruption response.
Volcano Remote Sensor Alaska Volcano Observatory, USGS
M.S. and Ph.D. from Michigan Tech University
B.S., Geology from Cornell College
Phone: 907-786-7037 E-mail: sjschneider "at" usgs.gov
Dave has been working at AVO since 1997 and his research involves satellite-based detection and measurement of volcanic eruption clouds, and applications of remote sensing in volcano monitoring.
Ph.D. 1987, University of California Davis: Electron microprobe analysis, trace element analysis of bones, teeth and shells
University of Alaska Fairbanks Department of Geology and Geophysics, 900 Yukon Drive, Fairbanks, AK 99775.Phone: 907-474-5821 E-mail: fnkps "at" uaf.edu [Home Page]
Dr. Severin is in charge of the department's electron microprobe and XRF. Research interests focus on the interpretation of elemental patterns in incrementally grown biologic structures (mainly from fish) with the goal of reconstructing paleoenvironment and paleobiology. In addition to using "traditional" point analyses, Dr. Severin is exploring the use of digital X-ray mapping for understanding the distributions of trace and minor element in organic and inorganic materials.
