Understanding earthquake hazards in southern California - the "LARSE" project - working toward a safer future for Los Angeles

The Los Angeles region is underlain by a network of active faults, including many that are deep and do not break the Earth’s surface. These hidden faults include the previously unknown one responsible for the devastating January 1994 Northridge earthquake, the costliest quake in U.S. history. So that structures can be built or strengthened to withstand the quakes that are certain in the future, the Los Angeles Region Seismic Experiment (LARSE) is locating hidden earthquake hazards beneath the region to help scientists determine where the strongest shaking will occur

The Cataclysmic 1991 Eruption of Mount Pinatubo, Philippines

This United States Geological Survey (USGS) on-line publication highlights the events and aftermath of the June 15, 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in the Philippines, which was the second-largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century. This report discusses the precursors to the 1991 eruption including the occurrence of earthquakes, dome growth and steam emissions. The explosive eruptions from June to September of 1991 are summarized, especially with respect to the impacts of this event on global temperatures and population displacement. Educational levels: High school, Middle school, Undergraduate lower division

Living on Active Volcanoes - The Island of Hawaii

This United States Geological Survey (USGS) on-line publication highlights the volcanic hazards facing the people living on the Island of Hawaii. These hazards include lava flows, explosive eruptions, volcanic smog, earthquakes and tsunamis. This report discusses these hazards, the volcanoes of Mauna Loa and Kilauea, and the work of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory to monitor and issue warnings to the people affected by these hazards. Educational levels: General public, High school, Undergraduate lower division

Living With Volcanic Risk in the Cascades

This United States Geological Survey (USGS) on-line publication highlights the volcanic risk associated with living in the Cascade Range of the Pacific Northwest. With more than a dozen potentially active volcanoes that erupt explosively, USGS scientists have had to work hard to monitor and assess the hazards posted by the regions volcanoes. This report discusses these hazards, such as pyroclastic flows, ash fall, lahars and mudflows, as well as the eruption characteristics of the regions volcanoes. Details about each states volcanoes are also given. Educational levels: High school, Middle school, Undergraduate lower division

Lahars of Mount Pinatubo, Philippines

This United States Geological Survey (USGS) on-line publication discusses the volcanic hazard of lahars associated with the 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in the Philippines. Details cover the nature and causes of lahars on Mt. Pinatubo, lahar warnings, mitigation efforts and the continuing hazards of lahars since the 1991 eruption. Educational levels: High school, Middle school, Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division

Volcanic Ash Fall

This United States Geological Survey (USGS) on-line publication discusses volcanic ash fall in terms of composition and effects. This report discusses the negative effects of volcanic ash fall on machinery, human health, weather and man-made structures, using the Mount Saint Helens eruption of 1980 as an example. The composition of volcanic ash is discussed, as well as ancient and modern ash falls that have occurred in the United States. Educational levels: High school, Middle school, Undergraduate lower division

How Old is "Cinder Cone" - Solving a Mystery in Lassen Volcanic Park, California

This United States Geological Survey (USGS) on-line publication highlights the controversy surrounding the age of Cinder Cone volcano in Lassen Volcanic National Park. This report follows the beginning of the controversy in the 1870s through recent discoveries about when the volcano was formed. Early geologic studies are covered, as well as the recent findings through paleomagnetism, field and laboratory work and by reinterpreting data from previous studies. Educational levels: High school, Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division

United States Geological Survey and the National Park Service - Our Volcanic Public Lands: Eruptions of Lassen Peak, California, 1914-1917

This on-line PDF document is about Lassen Peak, the southernmost active volcano in the Cascade Range. Discussion is on the 1914-1917 series of eruptions that were the last to occur in the Cascades before the 1980 eruption of Mount Saint Helens, Washington. Included is a generalized map of deposits from Lassen Peak's May 1915 eruptions. Educational levels: High school, Informal education, Middle school, Undergraduate lower division

Volcano Hazards of the Lassen Volcanic National Park Area, California

This United States Geological Survey (USGS) on-line publication covers the volcanic history of the Lassen Volcanic National Park area in California. This includes information about identifying hazardous volcanic processes in Lassen (ash falls, basaltic lava flows) and studying non-eruptive hazards (rockfalls, landslides). Details about the prospect of future eruptions and monitoring for volcanoes, including patterns from the last 50,000 years of eruptions and hazard-zones of this region, are covered. Educational levels: High school, Middle school, Undergraduate lower division

Living With a Restless Caldera: Long Valley, California

This page reports on the geologically volatile Long Valley, California area. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) continues to provide the public and civil authorities with current information on the volcano hazards at Long Valley and is prepared to give timely warnings of any impending eruption. In addition to photographs and a hazard response plan for earthquake and volcano hazards, the fact-sheet contains an earthquake map and a geologic map of the area. The PDF version includes a regional map of wind-blown ash. Educational levels: General public