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Fact Sheet 2010–3028

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Western Region Kasatochi Volcano Coastal and Ocean Science

By Anthony Degange

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Alaska is noteworthy as a region of frequent seismic and volcanic activity. The region contains 52 historically active volcanoes, 14 of which have had at least one major eruptive event since 1990. Despite the high frequency of volcanic activity in Alaska, comprehensive studies of how ecosystems respond to volcanic eruptions are non-existent. On August 7, 2008, Kasatochi Volcano, in the central Aleutian Islands, erupted catastrophically, covering the island with ash and hot pyroclastic flow material. Kasatochi Island was an annual monitoring site of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge (AMNWR); therefore, features of the terrestrial and nearshore ecosystems of the island were well known. In 2009, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), AMNWR, and University of Alaska Fairbanks began long-term studies to better understand the effects of the eruption and the role of volcanism in structuring ecosystems in the Aleutian Islands, a volcano-dominated region with high natural resource values.

For additional information contact:

Director, Alaska Science Center
U.S. Geological Survey
4210 University Drive
Anchorage, AK 99508
Telephone: (907) 786-7000
http://alaska.usgs.gov/

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Suggested citation:

DeGange, Anthony, 2010, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Western Region, Kasatochi Volcano, Coastal and Ocean Science: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2010-3028, 2 p.



Contents

Pre-eruptive Kasatochi

Research Objectives

Post-eruption Research in 2009

Preliminary Findings From Summer 2009 Investigations

Geology and Geomorphology

Terrestrial Ecology

Marine Ecology

Summary

Accessibility FOIA Privacy Policies and Notices

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