A tumulus in the Coso Volcanic Field, California. This lava was probably more viscous than the lava found in the Hawaii tumuli.
Laszlo Kestay, Ph.D.
Laszlo Kestay is a planetary volcanologist at the US Geological Survey's Astrogeology Science Center.
Laszlo Kestay is a planetary volcanologist working for the US Geological Survey's Astrogeology Science Center. His last name was formerly Keszthelyi and this spelling is still used for his publications. He has worked for the USGS since 1991 but was only hired in 2003. He is member of the NASA MRO HiRISE and ESA ExoMars CaSSIS science teams.
Professional Experience
2003-present, Research Geologist, Astrogeology Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey. Studying volcanism across the Solar System with remote sensing, numerical modeling, and field studies. Involved in assessing natural resources across the Solar System and the hazards posed by meteorite impacts.
2012-2018, Science Center Director, Astrogeology Science Center U.S. Geological Survey. Manage the science center as it enables humankind's exploration of the Solar System with support for space missions from conception to beyond the grave.
2011, Associate Science Center Director for Technical Operations, Astrogeology Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey. Overseeing the technical activities (cartography, software development, computer science, data archival, etc.) in the Astrogeology Science Center.
2004-2007, Assistant Team Chief Scientist
1994-1996, NSF Earth Sciences Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Hawaii at Manoa and U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Supervisor: Stephen Self
Education and Certifications
B.S., Mathematics, Summa Cum Laude, 1987, The University of Texas at Austin
B.S. with Honors, Geological Sciences (Geophysics Option), Summa Cum Laude, 1988, The University of Texas at Austin
M.S., Planetary Science, 1993, Caltech
Ph.D., Geology, 1994, Caltech. Thesis: On the Thermal Budget of Pahoehoe Lava Flows, Advisor: Bruce C. Murray
Science and Products
Planetary Volcanology
Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET)
Sensor Data from Monitoring the Cooling of the 2014-2015 Lava Flow and Hydrothermal System at Holuhraun, Iceland
Sensor Data from Monitoring the Cooling of the 2014-2015 Lava Flow and Hydrothermal System at Holuhraun, Iceland
Geologic map of the Athabasca Valles region, Mars
Geologic map of Io
A tumulus in the Coso Volcanic Field, California. This lava was probably more viscous than the lava found in the Hawaii tumuli.
Detail of levee on an active channelized aa flow. Note the pahoehoe overflows in the levees and the level of the active flow below the tops of the levees. This lower flow level is not allowed in the commonly used "Bingham" model of lava flows.
Detail of levee on an active channelized aa flow. Note the pahoehoe overflows in the levees and the level of the active flow below the tops of the levees. This lower flow level is not allowed in the commonly used "Bingham" model of lava flows.
Detail of levee on an active channelized aa flow. Note the pahoehoe overflows in the levees and the level of the active flow below the tops of the levees. This lower flow level is not allowed in the commonly used "Bingham" model of lava flows.
Detail of levee on an active channelized aa flow. Note the pahoehoe overflows in the levees and the level of the active flow below the tops of the levees. This lower flow level is not allowed in the commonly used "Bingham" model of lava flows.
An a'a' channel near the Royal Gardens subdivision on Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii. The flows in the background are from the 1980s. Note that the flow level is below the levees and the pahoehoe overflows emplaced on top of the a'a'.
An a'a' channel near the Royal Gardens subdivision on Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii. The flows in the background are from the 1980s. Note that the flow level is below the levees and the pahoehoe overflows emplaced on top of the a'a'.
A section of burst tumulus that has fallen away from the larger structure. Tumuli can burst when the influx of lava is rapid compared to the rate at which the crust is thickening by cooling. In these cases the pressure driving the lava is significantly greater than the weight of the overlying crust.
A section of burst tumulus that has fallen away from the larger structure. Tumuli can burst when the influx of lava is rapid compared to the rate at which the crust is thickening by cooling. In these cases the pressure driving the lava is significantly greater than the weight of the overlying crust.
Pu’u ‘Ō’ō is a cinder and spatter cone in Kilauea’s east rift zone. It began erupting on January 3, 1983; a summary of its eruption can be found here. This image shows the result of the largest of the collapse pits that began to appear around 1993.
Pu’u ‘Ō’ō is a cinder and spatter cone in Kilauea’s east rift zone. It began erupting on January 3, 1983; a summary of its eruption can be found here. This image shows the result of the largest of the collapse pits that began to appear around 1993.
A crystallized dacite flow in northern Chile. Dacite is extrusive and the volcanic equivalent of granodiorite.
A crystallized dacite flow in northern Chile. Dacite is extrusive and the volcanic equivalent of granodiorite.
Channelized flows on Socompa. Socompa is a large stratovolcano on the border between Chile and Argentina, the youngest of a chain of volcanoes that runs northeast to southwest.
Channelized flows on Socompa. Socompa is a large stratovolcano on the border between Chile and Argentina, the youngest of a chain of volcanoes that runs northeast to southwest.
A burst tumulus near Kamokuna, which is a lava delta where Puʻu ʻŌʻō flows enter the Pacific Ocean. Tumuli can burst when the influx of lava is rapid compared to the rate at which the crust is thickening by cooling. In these cases the pressure driving the lava is significantly greater than the weight of the overlying crust.
A burst tumulus near Kamokuna, which is a lava delta where Puʻu ʻŌʻō flows enter the Pacific Ocean. Tumuli can burst when the influx of lava is rapid compared to the rate at which the crust is thickening by cooling. In these cases the pressure driving the lava is significantly greater than the weight of the overlying crust.
Subsequent flows have fed lava into the skylight. A stationary crust is formed on margins of the flowing lava within the tube at this location, probably due to the loss of heat through the skylight.
Subsequent flows have fed lava into the skylight. A stationary crust is formed on margins of the flowing lava within the tube at this location, probably due to the loss of heat through the skylight.
A “drippy” tumulus near Kamokuna, which is a lava delta where Puʻu ʻŌʻō flows enter the Pacific Ocean. These tumuli form when the upwelling lava has a steady pressure and rate of movement, so the upper crust does not break apart. Instead, the lava slowly squeezes out.
A “drippy” tumulus near Kamokuna, which is a lava delta where Puʻu ʻŌʻō flows enter the Pacific Ocean. These tumuli form when the upwelling lava has a steady pressure and rate of movement, so the upper crust does not break apart. Instead, the lava slowly squeezes out.
A cinder cone within the Mount Aso caldera, located on Kyushu Island, Japan. The caldera contains several cinder cones and stratovolcanoes.
A cinder cone within the Mount Aso caldera, located on Kyushu Island, Japan. The caldera contains several cinder cones and stratovolcanoes.
Flat-topped tumulus on Mauna Ulu lavas along Chain of Craters Road, Hawaii. Tumuli are just one end-member of a wide range of features formed by inflation of lava flows. A flat-topped tumulus is a half-way between a classic tumulus and a "lava-rise" or inflation plateau.
Flat-topped tumulus on Mauna Ulu lavas along Chain of Craters Road, Hawaii. Tumuli are just one end-member of a wide range of features formed by inflation of lava flows. A flat-topped tumulus is a half-way between a classic tumulus and a "lava-rise" or inflation plateau.
Flat-topped tumulus on Mauna Ulu lavas along Chain of Craters Road, Hawaii. Tumuli are just one end-member of a wide range of features formed by inflation of lava flows. A flat-topped tumulus is a half-way between a classic tumulus and a "lava-rise" or inflation plateau.
Flat-topped tumulus on Mauna Ulu lavas along Chain of Craters Road, Hawaii. Tumuli are just one end-member of a wide range of features formed by inflation of lava flows. A flat-topped tumulus is a half-way between a classic tumulus and a "lava-rise" or inflation plateau.
A detail of a pahoehoe lobe at the top of a tumulus. The upper crust that is lifted up during the formation of a tumulus is typically quite vesicular (has lots of bubbled trapped in it). Roza Formation, Columbia River Basalt Group. Southwest of Quincy, WA.
A detail of a pahoehoe lobe at the top of a tumulus. The upper crust that is lifted up during the formation of a tumulus is typically quite vesicular (has lots of bubbled trapped in it). Roza Formation, Columbia River Basalt Group. Southwest of Quincy, WA.
Samples of welded scoria. Scoria is another word for the ‘cinders’ that make up volcanic cinder cones. Roza Member, Columbia River Basalt Group. Southeast of Winona, WA.
Samples of welded scoria. Scoria is another word for the ‘cinders’ that make up volcanic cinder cones. Roza Member, Columbia River Basalt Group. Southeast of Winona, WA.
Draped scoria cone; partially collapsed. Roza Member, Columbia River Basalt Group. East of Winona, WA.
Draped scoria cone; partially collapsed. Roza Member, Columbia River Basalt Group. East of Winona, WA.
A skylight near Pulama Pali, which is the slope where flows from Pu’u O’o make their way toward the sea. Here, the skylight allows one to see where the lava tube is splitting into two branches.
A skylight near Pulama Pali, which is the slope where flows from Pu’u O’o make their way toward the sea. Here, the skylight allows one to see where the lava tube is splitting into two branches.
Pu’u ‘Ō’ō is a cinder and spatter cone in Kilauea’s east rift zone. It began erupting on January 3, 1983; a summary of its eruption can be found here. This image shows the cone just starting to form a collapse pit on its flank.
Pu’u ‘Ō’ō is a cinder and spatter cone in Kilauea’s east rift zone. It began erupting on January 3, 1983; a summary of its eruption can be found here. This image shows the cone just starting to form a collapse pit on its flank.
View of the lava lake found inside the crater in Pu’u ‘Ō’ō cinder cone.
View of the lava lake found inside the crater in Pu’u ‘Ō’ō cinder cone.
Cinder cones at the summit of Mauna Kea. Mauna Kea is a dormant shield volcano on the north end of Hawaii Island. Astronomical observatories in the foreground.
Cinder cones at the summit of Mauna Kea. Mauna Kea is a dormant shield volcano on the north end of Hawaii Island. Astronomical observatories in the foreground.
The composition of Io
Assessment of lunar resource exploration in 2022
The cycles driving Io’s tectonics
hical—The HiRISE radiometric calibration software developed within the ISIS3 planetary image processing suite
A geologic field guide to S P Mountain and its lava flow, San Francisco Volcanic Field, Arizona
A numerical model for the cooling of a lava sill with heat pipe effects
Lava–water interaction and hydrothermal activity within the 2014–2015 Holuhraun Lava Flow Field, Iceland
Compositional layering in Io driven by magmatic segregation and volcanism
Applied lunar science on Artemis III in support of in situ resource utilization
The flood lavas of Kasei Valles, Mars
The Colour and Stereo Surface Imaging System (CaSSIS) for the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter
The U.S. Geological Survey Astrogeology Science Center
Integrated Software for Imagers and Spectrometers
Science and Products
Planetary Volcanology
Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET)
Sensor Data from Monitoring the Cooling of the 2014-2015 Lava Flow and Hydrothermal System at Holuhraun, Iceland
Sensor Data from Monitoring the Cooling of the 2014-2015 Lava Flow and Hydrothermal System at Holuhraun, Iceland
Geologic map of the Athabasca Valles region, Mars
Geologic map of Io
A tumulus in the Coso Volcanic Field, California. This lava was probably more viscous than the lava found in the Hawaii tumuli.
A tumulus in the Coso Volcanic Field, California. This lava was probably more viscous than the lava found in the Hawaii tumuli.
Detail of levee on an active channelized aa flow. Note the pahoehoe overflows in the levees and the level of the active flow below the tops of the levees. This lower flow level is not allowed in the commonly used "Bingham" model of lava flows.
Detail of levee on an active channelized aa flow. Note the pahoehoe overflows in the levees and the level of the active flow below the tops of the levees. This lower flow level is not allowed in the commonly used "Bingham" model of lava flows.
Detail of levee on an active channelized aa flow. Note the pahoehoe overflows in the levees and the level of the active flow below the tops of the levees. This lower flow level is not allowed in the commonly used "Bingham" model of lava flows.
Detail of levee on an active channelized aa flow. Note the pahoehoe overflows in the levees and the level of the active flow below the tops of the levees. This lower flow level is not allowed in the commonly used "Bingham" model of lava flows.
An a'a' channel near the Royal Gardens subdivision on Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii. The flows in the background are from the 1980s. Note that the flow level is below the levees and the pahoehoe overflows emplaced on top of the a'a'.
An a'a' channel near the Royal Gardens subdivision on Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii. The flows in the background are from the 1980s. Note that the flow level is below the levees and the pahoehoe overflows emplaced on top of the a'a'.
A section of burst tumulus that has fallen away from the larger structure. Tumuli can burst when the influx of lava is rapid compared to the rate at which the crust is thickening by cooling. In these cases the pressure driving the lava is significantly greater than the weight of the overlying crust.
A section of burst tumulus that has fallen away from the larger structure. Tumuli can burst when the influx of lava is rapid compared to the rate at which the crust is thickening by cooling. In these cases the pressure driving the lava is significantly greater than the weight of the overlying crust.
Pu’u ‘Ō’ō is a cinder and spatter cone in Kilauea’s east rift zone. It began erupting on January 3, 1983; a summary of its eruption can be found here. This image shows the result of the largest of the collapse pits that began to appear around 1993.
Pu’u ‘Ō’ō is a cinder and spatter cone in Kilauea’s east rift zone. It began erupting on January 3, 1983; a summary of its eruption can be found here. This image shows the result of the largest of the collapse pits that began to appear around 1993.
A crystallized dacite flow in northern Chile. Dacite is extrusive and the volcanic equivalent of granodiorite.
A crystallized dacite flow in northern Chile. Dacite is extrusive and the volcanic equivalent of granodiorite.
Channelized flows on Socompa. Socompa is a large stratovolcano on the border between Chile and Argentina, the youngest of a chain of volcanoes that runs northeast to southwest.
Channelized flows on Socompa. Socompa is a large stratovolcano on the border between Chile and Argentina, the youngest of a chain of volcanoes that runs northeast to southwest.
A burst tumulus near Kamokuna, which is a lava delta where Puʻu ʻŌʻō flows enter the Pacific Ocean. Tumuli can burst when the influx of lava is rapid compared to the rate at which the crust is thickening by cooling. In these cases the pressure driving the lava is significantly greater than the weight of the overlying crust.
A burst tumulus near Kamokuna, which is a lava delta where Puʻu ʻŌʻō flows enter the Pacific Ocean. Tumuli can burst when the influx of lava is rapid compared to the rate at which the crust is thickening by cooling. In these cases the pressure driving the lava is significantly greater than the weight of the overlying crust.
Subsequent flows have fed lava into the skylight. A stationary crust is formed on margins of the flowing lava within the tube at this location, probably due to the loss of heat through the skylight.
Subsequent flows have fed lava into the skylight. A stationary crust is formed on margins of the flowing lava within the tube at this location, probably due to the loss of heat through the skylight.
A “drippy” tumulus near Kamokuna, which is a lava delta where Puʻu ʻŌʻō flows enter the Pacific Ocean. These tumuli form when the upwelling lava has a steady pressure and rate of movement, so the upper crust does not break apart. Instead, the lava slowly squeezes out.
A “drippy” tumulus near Kamokuna, which is a lava delta where Puʻu ʻŌʻō flows enter the Pacific Ocean. These tumuli form when the upwelling lava has a steady pressure and rate of movement, so the upper crust does not break apart. Instead, the lava slowly squeezes out.
A cinder cone within the Mount Aso caldera, located on Kyushu Island, Japan. The caldera contains several cinder cones and stratovolcanoes.
A cinder cone within the Mount Aso caldera, located on Kyushu Island, Japan. The caldera contains several cinder cones and stratovolcanoes.
Flat-topped tumulus on Mauna Ulu lavas along Chain of Craters Road, Hawaii. Tumuli are just one end-member of a wide range of features formed by inflation of lava flows. A flat-topped tumulus is a half-way between a classic tumulus and a "lava-rise" or inflation plateau.
Flat-topped tumulus on Mauna Ulu lavas along Chain of Craters Road, Hawaii. Tumuli are just one end-member of a wide range of features formed by inflation of lava flows. A flat-topped tumulus is a half-way between a classic tumulus and a "lava-rise" or inflation plateau.
Flat-topped tumulus on Mauna Ulu lavas along Chain of Craters Road, Hawaii. Tumuli are just one end-member of a wide range of features formed by inflation of lava flows. A flat-topped tumulus is a half-way between a classic tumulus and a "lava-rise" or inflation plateau.
Flat-topped tumulus on Mauna Ulu lavas along Chain of Craters Road, Hawaii. Tumuli are just one end-member of a wide range of features formed by inflation of lava flows. A flat-topped tumulus is a half-way between a classic tumulus and a "lava-rise" or inflation plateau.
A detail of a pahoehoe lobe at the top of a tumulus. The upper crust that is lifted up during the formation of a tumulus is typically quite vesicular (has lots of bubbled trapped in it). Roza Formation, Columbia River Basalt Group. Southwest of Quincy, WA.
A detail of a pahoehoe lobe at the top of a tumulus. The upper crust that is lifted up during the formation of a tumulus is typically quite vesicular (has lots of bubbled trapped in it). Roza Formation, Columbia River Basalt Group. Southwest of Quincy, WA.
Samples of welded scoria. Scoria is another word for the ‘cinders’ that make up volcanic cinder cones. Roza Member, Columbia River Basalt Group. Southeast of Winona, WA.
Samples of welded scoria. Scoria is another word for the ‘cinders’ that make up volcanic cinder cones. Roza Member, Columbia River Basalt Group. Southeast of Winona, WA.
Draped scoria cone; partially collapsed. Roza Member, Columbia River Basalt Group. East of Winona, WA.
Draped scoria cone; partially collapsed. Roza Member, Columbia River Basalt Group. East of Winona, WA.
A skylight near Pulama Pali, which is the slope where flows from Pu’u O’o make their way toward the sea. Here, the skylight allows one to see where the lava tube is splitting into two branches.
A skylight near Pulama Pali, which is the slope where flows from Pu’u O’o make their way toward the sea. Here, the skylight allows one to see where the lava tube is splitting into two branches.
Pu’u ‘Ō’ō is a cinder and spatter cone in Kilauea’s east rift zone. It began erupting on January 3, 1983; a summary of its eruption can be found here. This image shows the cone just starting to form a collapse pit on its flank.
Pu’u ‘Ō’ō is a cinder and spatter cone in Kilauea’s east rift zone. It began erupting on January 3, 1983; a summary of its eruption can be found here. This image shows the cone just starting to form a collapse pit on its flank.
View of the lava lake found inside the crater in Pu’u ‘Ō’ō cinder cone.
View of the lava lake found inside the crater in Pu’u ‘Ō’ō cinder cone.
Cinder cones at the summit of Mauna Kea. Mauna Kea is a dormant shield volcano on the north end of Hawaii Island. Astronomical observatories in the foreground.
Cinder cones at the summit of Mauna Kea. Mauna Kea is a dormant shield volcano on the north end of Hawaii Island. Astronomical observatories in the foreground.