Redoubt Volcano: Perfect Outdoor Classroom

Redoubt Volcano has put on a modest show for watchers mostly due to the endless periods of poor visibility. For volcanologists, it's been a very willing subject. Redoubt is a stratovolcano, rather ordinary, but subject to catastrophic explosive eruptions and, therefore, very dangerous. Thankfully, scientists know enough about the behavior of volcanoes to recognize the high risk factors and plan their on-site visits accordingly. Still, they also know that work on Redoubt's slopes or in the skies above the cone always presents serious danger.

Weather conditions have improved significantly so you can find several photographs on the Alaska Volcano Observatory's Redoubt website. Those interested in learning more about the science behind the images will find a world of information there as well.

Redoubt is building a significant lava dome in its summit crater. Such activity often preceeds explosive eruptions. I think we'll be hearing more than rumbling from this volcano in the near future.

Photo: David Wartinbee

Redoubt Volcano Erupts

For weeks now, I've been following the rumblings of Alaska's Redoubt Volcano several times a day. As volcanoes are wont to do, it rewarded the careful attention of its watchers by erupting in darkness and clouds. The Alaska Volcano Observatory reports - get them here - that ash clouds have reached 60,000 feet. Let's hope the weather clears in time for some impressive photography. The accompanying photograph of steam venting and summit glacier melt was taken on Saturday.

Volcano Watch

In 2000, I was fortunate to have spent two weeks in and around Anchorage, Alaska. For most of the trip, I stayed at the Hotel Captain Cook where my window overlooked the Cook Inlet. A hundred miles to the southwest, Mount Redoubt often rose dimly out of the haze. Redoubt is an active volcano with a history of explosive eruptions, the last one occurring about thirty years ago. Seismologists are telling us that another eruption will occur at any hour.


















Here's a U.S. Geological Survey photo of the 1989 event.

If you're an earth sciences nut like me or just curious, stay alert for news. All the web cam sites appear to be overwhelmed with traffic. If I can find one that works, I'll post a link for your convenience.