Science

Watching the Eruptions: Volcano Observatories Around the World

Check out this collection of the USGS volcano observatories plus some other observatories that keep watch on the world's volcanoes.
  • Hawaii Volcano Observatory
  • Cascade Volcano Observatory
  • Alaska Volcano Observatory
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Tim Orr
hawaii-volcano-observatory

Hawaii Volcano Observatory

2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the Hawaii Volcano Observatory. From the edge of the crater at Kilauea, geologists have been monitoring every move that the volcano (along with Mauna Loa and Loihi) have made over the past century. Today, everyone can watch the volcano in action, thanks to the multitude of webcams and other real-time monitoring instruments that stream data worldwide as the eruption happens. HVO is one of 5 volcano observatories in the United States and many countries worldwide run observatories to watch over the volcanoes that could affect their people or lands. Check out this collection of the USGS volcano observatories plus some other observatories that keep watch on the world's volcanoes. Image: Kilauea erupting in September 2011. HVO/USGS