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.

 

Helena Buurman

Dr. Helena Burrman Postdoctoral Research Fellow University of Alaska Fairbanks, UAF/GI

Ph.D., 2013 University of Alaska Fairbanks
M.S., 2009 University of Alaska Fairbanks
B.Sc. (hons), 2006 Edinburgh University

Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks

903 Koyukuk Drive, P.O. Box 757320, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320 

Phone: 907-474-7538    Fax: 907-474-5618

E-mail: helena [at] gi [dot] alaska [dot] edu

Website: http://giseis.alaska.edu/input/helena/home.html

Helena's research uses earthquakes recorded at active volcanoes to understand better what makes volcanoes erupt. Most of her work has focused on interpreting earthquake activity at the numerous active Alaska volcanoes, although she is currently working on comparing earthquake activity at volcanoes worldwide. She assists with volcano monitoring for the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO), particularly during volcanic crises that require rapid analysis of large quantitites of seismic data in order to assist with eruption forecasting. In addition to real-time analysis, Helena has also worked as a field technician for both AVO and the Alaska Earthquake Information Center (AEIC). 

 

Ken Dean

Ken Dean  Research Professor Emeritus 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:

1. the active tectonics of Alaska
2. ground deformation due to active volcanism in Alaska
3. behavior of the San Andreas fault system in Northern California, and the partitioning of plate boundary deformation in the western United States
4. 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

Volcanology Research Group Leader

 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
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. 

 

Taryn Lopez 

Taryn Lopez, NSF-GeoPRISMS Postdoctoral Fellow

University of Alaska Fairbanks, Geophysical Institute

 

Ph.D. (Environmental Chemistry) 2013 University of Alaska
Fairbanks      

M.S. (Geology) 2006 Michigan Technological University

B.S. (Geology) 2003 University of Wisconsin Eau Claire

 

Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks

903 Koyukuk Drive, PO Box 757320, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320

Phone: 907-474-7389

E-mail: tlopez [at] gi [dot] alaska [dot] edu

Webpage: http://www2.gi.alaska.edu/~tlopez/

 

Taryn is an NSF-GeoPRISMS postdoctoral fellow
with the Geophysical Institute. Her primary research interests lie in
integrating direct and remote measurements of volcanic gas composition and flux
with complementary geophysical datasets to constrain volcanic processes. She
employs various gas sampling techniques to collect her measurements, ranging
from direct sampling to satellite remote sensing. Taryn has worked on numerous
volcanoes around the world, most recently within Katmai, Alaska; Kamchatka,
Russia; and the Chilean and Bolivian Altiplano. Her current postdoctoral
project aims to (1) characterize the source and type of volcanic fluids within
the Katmai Volcanic Cluster (KVC), Alaska, and (2) compare high temporal
resolution gas composition and flux measurements to seismicity at three
seismically active and continuously degassing volcanoes within the KVC: Mount
Martin, Mount Mageik and Trident Volcanoes. The overall goal of this work is to
apply geochemical constraints on seismic interpretations of subsurface fluid
flow to help scientists better interpret seismic data and improve eruption
forecasting. Taryn is a member of the Alaska Volcano Observatory, the IAVCEI Commission
on the Chemistry of Volcanic Gases, and the Deep Carbon Observatory DECADE
project.

 

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 properly 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

Current students:

• Christopher Bruton
• Nicole DeRoin 
• Angela Ekstrand
• Ronni Grapenthin
• Sarah Henton
• David McAlpin
• Summer Miller
• Celso Reyes
• Peter Rinkleff
• Jill Shipman
• Torge Steensen
• Annie Worden

 

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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

 

Angela Ekstrand

 
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:

• 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

 

Branden 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

 

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

 

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

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

 

 

 

Jennifer Adleman
M.S., 2005, Volcanology

Crustal deformation in Alaska measured using the global positioning sytem

Advisors: Jeffrey T. Freymueller

Other affiliated faculty