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Volcano Hazards Program

Find U.S. Volcano

There are about 170 potentially active volcanoes in the U.S. The mission of the USGS Volcano Hazards Program is to enhance public safety and minimize social and economic disruption from volcanic unrest and eruption through our National Volcano Early Warning System. We deliver forecasts, warnings, and information about volcano hazards based on a scientific understanding of volcanic behavior.

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Volcano Activity Notifications

Ash-rich plume rises out of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, Kilauea Volcano Hawaiʻi

USGS Volcano Observatories release regular updates and notifications to communicate increases or decreases in volcanic activity and explain unusual or hazardous circumstances. 

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Volcano Hazards Assessments

Mount Rainier seen from Puyallup, Washington

Long-term hazards assessments identify locations at risk from volcanic hazards. They are released as high-resolution hazards-zonation maps with accompanying explanations, which help guide eruption preparedness plans.

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U.S. Volcano Observatories

Volcano Observatory staff monitor, research, and issue formal notices of activity for volcanoes in assigned geographic areas. Scientists also assess volcano hazards and work with communities to prepare for volcanic eruptions.

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News

Volcano Watch — First light (and flight) for HVO’s new airborne lidar system

Volcano Watch — First light (and flight) for HVO’s new airborne lidar system

Volcano Watch — Understanding magma storage and migration in Kīlauea’s active East Rift Zone

Volcano Watch — Understanding magma storage and migration in Kīlauea’s active East Rift Zone

What do volcanoes smell like?

What do volcanoes smell like?

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Publications

Introduction to recommended capabilities and instrumentation for volcano monitoring in the United States

IntroductionThe National Volcano Early Warning System (NVEWS) was authorized and partially funded by the U.S. Government in 2019. In response, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Volcano Hazards Program asked its scientists to reflect on and summarize their views of best practices for volcano monitoring. The goal was to review and update the recommendations of a previous report (Moran and others, 20
Authors
Ashton F. Flinders, Jacob B. Lowenstern, Michelle L. Coombs, Michael P. Poland
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

Seismic techniques and suggested instrumentation to monitor volcanoes

IntroductionChanges in the pressure or location of magma can stress or break surrounding rocks and trigger flow of nearby waters and gases, causing seismic signals, such as discrete earthquakes and tremor. These phenomena are types of seismic unrest that commonly precede eruption and can be used to forecast volcanic activity. Mass movements at the surface, including avalanches, debris flows, and l
Authors
Weston A. Thelen, John J. Lyons, Aaron G. Wech, Seth C. Moran, Matthew M. Haney, Ashton F. Flinders
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

Special topic—Rapid-response instrumentation

IntroductionBased on the reports of Ewert and others (2005, 2018) and Moran and others (2008), most U.S. volcanoes are currently under-monitored and are likely to remain so until the goals of the National Volcano Early Warning System are fulfilled. In addition, volcanoes determined to have low to moderate threat levels (Ewert and others 2005, 2018) could awaken suddenly and, as a result, may need
Authors
Ashton F. Flinders
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center
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