A fascinating lecture is upcoming in Vancouver.
The Kiggins Theater will host a Science on Tap lecture entitled “Lava, Mudflows, and Ash: Volcanoes in the Pacific Northwest.” There are many volcanoes in the Cascade Range, and people are curious about how dangerous they are. They also want to know who monitors these peaks, and how this is done.
Jon Major will discuss the processes involved in a volcanic eruption, and the aftermath, as well as which of the Cascade volcanoes poses the greatest threat. He will also talk about why and how the region’s volcanoes are monitored. Events like this can be even more interesting if organizers use brochure printing to create an informative program.
Mt. St. Helens, which erupted violently in 1980, is only about 50 miles from Vancouver, making it a subject of interest to residents. The eruption, though it had been expected for some time, was still a surprise to vulcanologists and changed the way science studies volcanoes. Since 1980, there have been major advancements in understanding the history of volcanoes, the processes of an eruption, the hazards these mountains present, how they are monitored, and the role of scientists in explaining eruptions to the public and to government agencies.
Major, who will speak on September 21, has worked at volcanoes throughout the world, and is the Scientist-in-Charge at the U.S. Geological Survey Cascades Volcano Observatory in Vancouver. Patrons will need to provide proof of vaccination; masks are optional.
