Citizen Science - Volcanic Ash Collection Workshop and Public Talk, Kodiak

Public Talk: Resuspended Volcanic Dust from the Katmai Region to Kodiak Island
Thursday, April 28, 12:00 - 1:00 pm

Citizen Science Ash Collection Workshop
Saturday, April 30, 2016, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Both events at:
US Fish and Wildlife Service Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
402 Center Ave
Kodiak, AK

In conjunction with deploying air quality instruments, Alaska Volcano Observatory geologist Kristi Wallace will hold a citizen science workshop in the City of Kodiak, Alaska. AVO invites the local community to learn more about the potential impacts of resuspended volcanic ash and how to assist AVO in volcano hazards research. This workshop is open to the public and will provide training on making and reporting observations of resuspended dust clouds and collecting volcanic ash samples for the Alaska Volcano Observatory. AVO is creating a network of observers and sample collectors across Kodiak so that we can 1) better understand the potential impacts of ashfall from these resuspended ash clouds, 2) improve our ability to forecast ashfall from ash resuspension clouds using models, and 3) help with interpretation of satellite imagery. AVO works closely with the National Weather Service, who is responsible for issuing forecasts and statements of resuspended volcanic ash, and with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Air Quality, who issues forecasts and statements of air quality. Information gathered from citizen scientists in this study will improve hazard warning messages issued by the NWS and AK DEC during ash resuspension events.

Join us and learn to be a citizen scientist!

Other Resources:
How can you help?

• Report ashfall to AVO - "Is Ash Falling"


• Procedures for collecting and returning ash samples from modern volcanic eruptions


• Ash sampling video tutorial

How will I know about these events?

• Official warnings about these ash resuspension events are issued by the National Weather Service


• Forecasts of airborne ash hazard to aircraft: http://aawu.arh.noaa.gov


• Volcanic Ash Advisories: http://vaac.arh.noaa.gov/


• Forecasts of ashfall: http://pafc.arh.noaa.gov/


• Air quality hazards and guidance: Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Air Quality