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The U.S. Geological Survey Volcano Science Center's Response Plan for Significant Volcanic Events

Circular 1518
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/cir1518

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Abstract

This publication describes the U.S. Geological Survey Volcano Science Center (VSC) Response Plan for Significant Volcanic Events (hereinafter referred to as “the plan”) that has been developed for U.S volcano observatories over the past several years in consultation with the lead scientist, or Scientist-in-Charge (SIC), of each of the five U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) volcano observatories. The goal of the plan is to define a standardized management system that ensures the VSC can achieve the following during a volcanic crisis:

  • maintain situational awareness and issue timely warnings and hazard assessments,
  • fulfill internal and external agency requests for information as well as requests from the public,
  • sustain financial and technical support, and
  • gather critical scientific data.

The plan addresses situations in which the scale of a response at least temporarily eclipses the response capabilities of a single observatory. The plan features two integrated response structures for managing and carrying out operations within the VSC during a crisis: the Observatory Volcanic Event Response Team (OVERT) and the Center Volcanic Event Response Team (CVERT). The design of these structures reflects lessons learned from past volcanic responses and is influenced by the Incident Command System used by the U.S. Federal Government for managing emergency responses. The plan clarifies expectations regarding the flow of information during a response, summarizes required tasks of the responding observatory and VSC to ensure a successful response, defines response-team roles and responsibilities, and describes the internal communication practices critical for an effective and coordinated response.

Suggested Citation

Moran, S.C., Neal, C.A., and Murray, T.L., 2024, The U.S. Geological Survey Volcano Science Center’s Response Plan for Significant Volcanic Events: U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1518, 65 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/cir1518.

ISSN: 2330-5703 (online)

ISSN: 1067-084X (print)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • The U.S. Geological Survey Volcano Science Center
  • The Volcano Science Center Response Plan for Significant Volcanic Events
  • Closing Thoughts
  • Acknowledgments
  • References Cited
  • Appendix 1. An Example of OVERT Implementation; References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title The U.S. Geological Survey Volcano Science Center’s response plan for significant volcanic events
Series title Circular
Series number 1518
DOI 10.3133/cir1518
Year Published 2024
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Volcano Science Center
Description v, 65 p.
Country Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, United States
Online Only (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details