Publication Citation

USGS Series Fact Sheet
Report Number 030-97
Title Volcanic ash - danger to aircraft in the north Pacific
Edition Revised 1998
Language ENGLISH
Author(s) Neal, Christina A.; Casadevall, Thomas J.; Miller, Thomas P.; Hendley, James W., II; Stauffer, Peter H.
Year 1997
Originating office Volcano Hazards Program
USGS Library Call Number (200) F327 no.97-030
Physical description 1 sheet [2] p. : col. ill., col. map ; 28 cm.
ISBN

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Abstract

The world's busy air traffic corridors pass over hundreds of volcanoes capable of sudden, explosive eruptions. In the United States alone, aircraft carry many thousands of passengers and millions of dollars of cargo over volcanoes each day. Volcanic ash can be a serious hazard to aviation even thousands of miles from an eruption. Airborne ash can diminish visibility, damage flight control systems, and cause jet engines to fail. USGS and other scientists with the Alaska Volcano Observatory are playing a leading role in the international effort to reduce the risk posed to aircraft by volcanic eruptions.