Cascade Volcano Monitoring Presentation October 29, 2013

Mount Baker Volcano Research Center presents a special guest presentation:

John Ewert, Scientist-in-Charge, USGS Cascade Volcano Observatory

VOLCANO HAZARDS AND VOLCANO MONITORING IN THE CASCADE RANGE

October 29, Whatcom Museum, Bellingham, 7 PM.

$3 suggested donation to support Whatcom Museum programs.

John Ewert at El Misti, Peru. Courtesy J. Ewert.

Owing to their explosive nature, close proximity of large populations, substantial infrastructure, and heavy air traffic, the Cascades are among the most threatening of the Nation’s approximately 170 volcanoes. What we know about volcanic history and current activity helps us to prepare for the next Cascade eruption. Monitoring si the task of the USGS. More is needed, but the current budget climate is a problem.

John Ewert is Scientist-in-Charge of the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory. Based in Vancouver, Washington, his entire career has been spent working on  explosive volcanism, volcano monitoring and volcano hazards mitigation in the United States and around the Pacific Rim. From 1980 to 1986 he worked at Mount St. Helens on volcanic gas emissions and ground deformation over the course of 15 eruptions.

Monitoring at MSH. USGS photo.

In 1986 Ewert was one of the founding members of the ongoing US Agency for International Development-USGS Volcano Disaster Assistance Program (VDAP). He worked in VDAP from 1986-2010 responding to volcanic eruption crises and developing volcano monitoring infrastructure in Latin America, the southwest Pacific and southeast Asia.  In addition to responsibilities with VDAP, in 2005 Ewert developed the methodology to conduct a national volcanic threat assessment for U.S. volcanoes. The results of the assessment are being used to guide long-term improvements to the nation’s volcano-monitoring infrastructure operated by the USGS and affiliated partners, and to improve USGS hazard-information products for the emergency managers, the aviation sector, and the public.

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