Blue Dot's series of programs about the United States Geological Survey's Volcano Observatories continues with a trip north to Alaska!
Host Dave Sclom is joined by Matt Haney, Scientist in Charge for the Alaska Volcano Observatory, and veteran USGS AVO research geologist Michelle Coombs.
Both provide insights into why Alaska is the land of fire and ice, with some of the most active volcanoes on Earth. Alaska is a vast landscape shaped by powerful tectonic forces as the Pacific Plate collides with and subducts beneath the North American Plate.
That subduction process leads to active volcanism, which leads to volcanic hazards. Of particular concern is the fact that the volcanic mountains also lie beneath an important aviation route connecting North America and Asia. Volcanic ash is particularly bad for jet engines!
