Citizen Science – Volcanic Ash Collection Workshop and Public Lecture |
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Citizen Science – Volcanic Ash Collection Workshop and Public Lecture Posted: 25 Apr 2016 10:00 AM PDT
Summary: Two public events are scheduled next week in the City of Kodiak, Alaska about monitoring old volcanic ash resuspended by high winds. Scientists invite the local community to learn more about the potential impacts of resuspended volcanic ash and how to assist in volcano hazards research by collecting samples of the redistributed volcanic ash and dust.
Contact Information: Kristi Wallace ( Phone: (907) 250-8439 ); Leslie Gordon ( Phone: (650) 329-4006 ); Two public events are scheduled next week in the City of Kodiak, Alaska about monitoring old volcanic ash resuspended by high winds. Scientists invite the local community to learn more about the potential impacts of resuspended volcanic ash and how to assist in volcano hazards research by collecting samples of the redistributed volcanic ash and dust. U.S. Geological Survey scientists with the Alaska Volcano Observatory are re-deploying instruments in two locations on Kodiak Island to monitor air quality during strong northwesterly winds. Old loose volcanic ash erupted over 100 years ago and deposited in Katmai’s Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes can be picked up by high winds sweeping through the valley. High winds can carry clouds of resuspended volcanic ash over Shelikof Strait, Kodiak Island and the Gulf of Alaska. These clouds, easily visible on satellite images, contain volcanic ash shards that are a known hazard to aviation. Scientists are studying other effects of the remobilized ash as it falls back to the ground such as whether there is a public health hazard as well. This phenomenon is not the result of new volcanic activity, but occurs seasonally in the spring and fall during times of high winds and dry snow-free conditions in the Katmai area and in other young volcanic areas of Alaska. USGS works closely with the National Weather Service, which issues forecasts and statements of resuspended volcanic ash. The Alaska Volcano Observatory is a cooperative program of the USGS, the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, and the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys. What (Event #1): Public presentation: “Resuspended Volcanic Dust from the Katmai Region to Kodiak Island.” When: Thursday, April 28, 2016,12:00 p.m. AKDT Who: Kristi Wallace, USGS/AVO geologist Where: USFWS Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 402 Center Ave., Kodiak, Alaska
What (Event #2): Citizen Science - Volcanic Ash Collection Workshop: This workshop is open to the public and will provide training on making and reporting observations of resuspended dust clouds that contain volcanic ash shards, and collecting volcanic ash samples for the Alaska Volcano Observatory. Join us and learn to be a citizen scientist. When: Saturday, April 30, 2016, 10:30 a.m. to Noon AKDT Who: Kristi Wallace, USGS/AVO geologist Where: USFWS Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 402 Center Ave, Kodiak, Alaska
Additional Resources: Report ashfall to AVO - “Is Ash Falling.” Procedures for Collecting and Returning Ash Samples from Modern Volcanic Eruptions. Information on volcanic ash and human health. Official warnings about ash resuspension events are issued by the National Weather Service. Forecasts of airborne ash hazard to aircraft.
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