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Swarms of similar long-period earthquakes in the mantle beneath Mauna Loa Volcano

We present analyses of two swarms of long-period (LP) earthquakes at > 30 km depth that accompanied the geodetically observed 2002–2005 Mauna Loa intrusion. The first LP earthquake swarm in 2002 consisted of 31 events that were precursory and preceded the start of Mauna Loa inflation; the second LP swarm of two thousand events occurred from 2004–2005. The rate of LP earthquakes slowed significantl
Authors
Paul G. Okubo, C.J. Wolfe

Recent extreme avalanches: Triggered by climate change?

On 25 September 2008, seismo meters operated by the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) registered strong ground shaking. On the basis of previous experience with such large seismic signals, AVO personnel were able to rapidly identify the seismic event as an avalanche. Two days later, an AVO overflight of Iliamna volcano, near Alaska's Cook Inlet, confirmed that a massive chunk of glacial ice and roc
Authors
C. Huggel, J. Caplan-Auerbach, Rick Wessels

Carbon dioxide of Pu`u`O`o volcanic plume at Kilauea retrieved by AVIRIS hyperspectral data

A remote sensing approach permits for the first time the derivation of a map of the carbon dioxide concentration in a volcanic plume. The airborne imaging remote sensing overcomes the typical difficulties associated with the ground measurements and permits rapid and large views of the volcanic processes together with the measurements of volatile components exolving from craters. Hyperspectral imag
Authors
C. Spinetti, V. Carrere, M. Fabrizia Buongiorno, A. J. Sutton, T. Elias

Using amphibole phenocrysts to track vapor transfer during magma crystallization and transport: An example from Mount St. Helens, Washington

In order to evaluate and further constrain models for volatile movement and vapor enrichment of magma stored at shallow levels, amphibole phenocrysts from 2004–2005 Mount St. Helens dacite were analyzed for major and selected trace elements (Li, Cu, Zn, Mn, and REE) and Li isotopes. Several recent studies have examined fluid-mobile trace element abundances in phencryst phases and melt inclusions a
Authors
M.C. Rowe, A.J.R. Kent, C.R. Thornber

Joint NOAA/NWS/USGS prototype debris flow warning system for recently burned areas in Southern California

Debris flows, also known as mudslides, are composed gravity-driven mixtures of sediment and water that travel through steep channels, over open hillslopes, and the like. Addressing this issue, US Geological Survey (USGS) and NOAA have established a debris-flow warning system that has the ability to monitor and forecast precipitation and issue timely weather hazard warning. In 2005, this joint NOAA
Authors
P. Restrepo, D.P. Jorgensen, S.H. Cannon, J. Costa, J. Laber, Jon J. Major, B. Martner, J. Purpura, K. Werner

Influences of organic matter and calcification rate on trace elements in aragonitic estuarine bivalve shells

A suite of elements (B, Na, Mg, S, K, Ca, V, Mn, Cr, Sr, and Ba) was measured in aragonitic shells of the estuarine bivalve Corbula amurensis, the Asian clam, using the Sensitive High-Resolution Ion MicroProbe with Reverse Geometry (SHRIMP RG). Our initial intent was to explore potential geochemical proxy relationships between shell chemistry and salinity (freshwater inflow) in northern San Franci
Authors
R.K. Takesue, C. R. Bacon, J.K. Thompson

Volatile emissions and gas geochemistry of Hot Spring Basin, Yellowstone National Park, USA

We characterize and quantify volatile emissions at Hot Spring Basin (HSB), a large acid-sulfate region that lies just outside the northeastern edge of the 640 ka Yellowstone Caldera. Relative to other thermal areas in Yellowstone, HSB gases are rich in He and H2, and mildly enriched in CH4 and H2S. Gas compositions are consistent with boiling directly off a deep geothermal liquid at depth as it mi
Authors
C. Werner, S. Hurwitz, William C. Evans, J. B. Lowenstern, D. Bergfeld, H. Heasler, C. Jaworowski, A. Hunt

Multiple plagioclase crystal populations identified by crystal size distribution and in situ chemical data: Implications for timescales of magma chamber processes associated with the 1915 eruption of Lassen Peak, CA

Products of the 1915 Lassen Peak eruption reveal evidence for a magma recharge–magma mixing event that may have catalyzed the eruption and from which four compositional members were identified: light dacite, black dacite, andesitic inclusion, and dark andesite. Crystal size distribution, textural, and in situ chemical (major and trace element and Sr isotope) data for plagioclase from these composi
Authors
M.J. Salisbury, W. A. Bohrson, M.A. Clynne, F.C. Ramos, P. Hoskin

4D volcano gravimetry

Time-dependent gravimetric measurements can detect subsurface processes long before magma flow leads to earthquakes or other eruption precursors. The ability of gravity measurements to detect subsurface mass flow is greatly enhanced if gravity measurements are analyzed and modeled with ground-deformation data. Obtaining the maximum information from microgravity studies requires careful evaluation
Authors
Maurizio Battaglia, J. Gottsmann, D. Carbone, J. Fernandez

Evolution of CO2 in Lakes Monoun and Nyos, Cameroon, before and during controlled degassing

Evolution of CO2 in Lakes Monoun and Nyos (Cameroon) before and during controlled degassing is described using results of regular monitoring obtained during the last 21 years. The CO2(aq) profiles soon after the limnic eruptions were estimated for Lakes Monoun and Nyos using the CTD data obtained in October and November 1986, respectively. Based on the CO2(aq)profiles through time, the CO2 content
Authors
M. Kusakabe, T. Ohba, Issa, Y. Yoshida, H. Satake, T. Ohizumi, William C. Evans, G. Tanyileke, G.W. Kling

Oxygen isotope geochemistry of the lassen volcanic center, California: Resolving crustal and mantle contributions to continental Arc magmatism

This study reports oxygen isotope ratios determined by laser fluorination of mineral separates (mainly plagioclase) from basaltic andesitic to rhyolitic composition volcanic rocks erupted from the Lassen Volcanic Center (LVC), northern California. Plagioclase separates from nearly all rocks have δ18O values (6·1–8·4‰) higher than expected for production of the magmas by partial melting of little e
Authors
T.C. Feeley, M.A. Clynne, G.S. Winer, W.C. Grice

Initial fluvial response to the removal of Oregon's Marmot Dam

A temporary, 14‐meter‐high earthen cofferdam standing in place of Marmot Dam was breached on 19 October 2007, allowing the 80‐ kilometer‐long Sandy River to flow freely from Mount Hood, Oreg., to the Columbia River for the first time in nearly 100 years. Marmot Dam is one of the largest dams in the western United States (in terms of height and volume of stored sediment) to have been removed in the
Authors
Jon J. Major, Kurt R. Spicer, Abagail Rhode, J. E. O'Connor, Heather M. Bragg, Dwight Q. Tanner, Chauncey W. Anderson, J. Rose Wallick, Gordon E. Grant