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2019 Volcanic Activity in Alaska—Summary of Events and Response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory

Scientific Investigations Report 2023-5039
The Alaska Volcano Observatory is a consortium between the U.S. Geological Survey, the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, and the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys
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https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20235039

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Abstract

The Alaska Volcano Observatory responded to eruptions, volcanic unrest or suspected unrest, increased seismicity, and other significant activity at 17 volcanic centers in Alaska in 2019. The most notable volcanic activity was an eruption of Shishaldin Volcano, featuring eruptive activity that produced lava flows, lahars, and ash. Weak explosive activity also took place at Great Sitkin Volcano and Semisopochnoi Island. Mount Cleveland had one small ash-producing eruption followed by dome growth in early January but was quiet thereafter, and flank activity at Shrub mud volcano produced new mud deposits. Other activity documented in 2019 consists of declining unrest at Mount Veniaminof after its 2018 eruption; large ice and rock avalanches at Iliamna Volcano and Mount Spurr; anomalous seismicity and an increase in degassing at Pavlof Volcano; long-term inflation at Westdahl volcano, Akutan Volcano, and Mount Okmok; steam plumes and anomalous seismicity at Makushin Volcano; elevated seismicity at Mount Martin; and resuspended ash from the 1912 Novarupta-Katmai eruption deposits.

Suggested Citation

Orr, T.R., Cameron, C.E., Dietterich, H.R., Dixon, J.P., Enders, M.L., Grapenthin, R., Iezzi, A.M., Loewen, M.W., Power, J.A., Searcy, C., Tepp, G., Toney, L., Waythomas, C.F., and Wech, A.G., 2023, 2019 Volcanic activity in Alaska—Summary of events and response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2023–5039, 64 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20235039.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Volcanic Activity in Alaska, East to West Along the Aleutian Arc
  • References Cited
  • Glossary of Selected Terms and Acronyms
  • Appendix 1. Citations for Alaska Volcano Observatory Annual Summaries, 1992–2018
  • Appendix 2. Aviation Color Codes and Volcano Alert Levels Used by United States Volcano Observatories
  • Appendix 3. Volcanoes Included in Alaska Volcano Observatory Annual Summaries
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title 2019 Volcanic activity in Alaska—Summary of events and response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2023-5039
DOI 10.3133/sir20235039
Year Published 2023
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Volcano Science Center
Description ix, 64 p.
Country United States
State Alaska
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details