A scientist from the Alaska Volcano Observatory studies tephra from the 1992 eruptions of the Crater Peak vent of Mount Spurr volcano. Three brief explosive eruptions blanketed narrow swaths of the surrounding area with ash. Detailed investigations of deposits are necessary to understand eruption characteristics and magnitude. In this view, about 15 cm of coarse ash and lapilli is exposed in the pit and blocks from the 16-17 September 1992 eruption are scattered across the surface.

Photo by Game McGimsey, 1992 (Alaska Volcano Observatory, U.S. Geological Survey).

This image is made available as a Public Domain Work, but proper attribution is appreciated.

Galleries: Fieldwork

Keywords: tephra | volcanologist | field work | stratigraphy | ash | block | deposit | geology

Spurr