Kyle R. Anderson, Ph.D.
I use monitoring data to better understand and forecast volcanic processes and hazards.
I work to understand volcanic systems by developing mathematical models which relate magma physics with monitoring data such as ground deformations and eruption rates. Model predictions can be compared with real-world observations using probabilistic statistical approaches, making it possible to constrain properties of volcanic systems such as the composition and volume of stored magma. These techniques can also be used in some cases to forecast future eruptive activity. I've worked most extensively at Mount St. Helens and Kīlauea volcanoes, but I'm interested in volcanoes and eruptions around the world.
I have a particular interest in volcanic caldera collapses and in episodic/cyclic eruptive behavior. Other interests include the physics governing magma ascent; the role of magmatic volatiles on eruptive processes; uncertainty quantification in volcanological inverse problems; quantifying rates of magma supply, storage, and eruption; ground deformation caused by magmatic processes; the application of machine learning to volcanology problems; and volcanic hazards assessments.
See the “Publications” tab below for more information.
Professional Experience
Research Geophysicist, USGS Volcano Science Center (California Volcano Observatory) (2015-present)
Visiting Research Fellow, University of Tokyo (January – March 2016)
USGS Exchange Scientist, Observatoire Volcanologique du Piton de la Fournaise (February 2015)
Mendenhall Postdoctoral Research Fellow, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (2012-2015)
Education and Certifications
Stanford University: PhD in geophysics (2012)
Stanford University: MS in geophysics
Whitman College: BA in geology-physics
Affiliations and Memberships*
USGS-CONVERSE Hawai‘i Science Advisory Committee (2021–present)
Modeling Collaboratory for Subduction Research Coordination Network steering committee (2017-2022)
Phi Beta Kappa (academic honor society)
Sigma Xi (scientific research honor society)
Honors and Awards
Indiana University Daniel S. Tudor Commemorative Lecture
Stanford – USGS Fellowship
Stanford University Centennial Teaching Assistant Award
Stanford University ARCS Foundation Scholar
National Science Foundation East Asia and Pacific Summer Institutes
Whitman College graduation with honors
Whitman College Leeds Prize in Geology
Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University undergraduate summer internship
Science and Products
The 2018 rift eruption and summit collapse of Kilauea Volcano
Eruptions in sync: Improved constraints on Kīlauea Volcano's hydraulic connection
Decaying lava extrusion rate at El Reventador Volcano, Ecuador measured using high-resolution satellite radar
Constraining the magmatic system at Mount St. Helens (2004–2008) using Bayesian inversion with physics-based models including gas escape and crystallization
Methodological considerations of terrestrial laser scanning for vegetation monitoring in the sagebrush steppe
Estimating vegetation biomass and cover across large plots in shrub and grass dominated drylands using terrestrial lidar and machine learning
Abundant carbon in the mantle beneath Hawai`i
The 2014 annual report for the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
Bayesian estimation of magma supply, storage, and eruption rates using a multiphysical volcano model: Kīlauea Volcano, 2000–2012
The 2014-2015 Pāhoa lava flow crisis at Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai‘i: Disaster avoided and lessons learned
Lava lake level as a gauge of magma reservoir pressure and eruptive hazard
The 2004–2008 dome-building eruption at Mount St. Helens, Washington: Epilogue
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
The 2018 rift eruption and summit collapse of Kilauea Volcano
Eruptions in sync: Improved constraints on Kīlauea Volcano's hydraulic connection
Decaying lava extrusion rate at El Reventador Volcano, Ecuador measured using high-resolution satellite radar
Constraining the magmatic system at Mount St. Helens (2004–2008) using Bayesian inversion with physics-based models including gas escape and crystallization
Methodological considerations of terrestrial laser scanning for vegetation monitoring in the sagebrush steppe
Estimating vegetation biomass and cover across large plots in shrub and grass dominated drylands using terrestrial lidar and machine learning
Abundant carbon in the mantle beneath Hawai`i
The 2014 annual report for the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
Bayesian estimation of magma supply, storage, and eruption rates using a multiphysical volcano model: Kīlauea Volcano, 2000–2012
The 2014-2015 Pāhoa lava flow crisis at Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai‘i: Disaster avoided and lessons learned
Lava lake level as a gauge of magma reservoir pressure and eruptive hazard
The 2004–2008 dome-building eruption at Mount St. Helens, Washington: Epilogue
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government