The National Science Foundation Division of Earth Sciences awarded the University of Alaska Fairbanks $360,443 on January 1, 2027, under the Geosciences program (CFDA 47.050) to determine eruption source processes at explosive basaltic stratovolcanoes by analyzing seismic and acoustic signals from recent eruptions at Shishaldin Volcano in Alaska and Mount Etna in Italy.
The research team will create systematic seismoacoustic catalogs of recent eruptions, determine seismic and infrasound source locations, and relate seismoacoustic observations to documented eruptive phenomena to test the hypothesis that gas discharge regimes primarily control seismoacoustic signal characteristics and eruption style at basaltic stratovolcanoes. Results will support development of conceptual and quantitative models that estimate eruption source parameters, such as volcanic gas flow rate, from seismoacoustic observations. The work addresses three key questions: how seismoacoustic signals vary between explosive eruptions at the two volcanoes, what processes generate seismic and acoustic signals during explosive eruptions at basaltic stratovolcanoes, and whether seismoacoustic observations can quantitatively determine eruption source processes. Understanding these processes improves volcanic hazard assessment and real-time monitoring interpretation to protect nearby communities, critical infrastructure, and aircraft near ash clouds.
Performance occurs in Fairbanks, Alaska, with a period of performance through December 31, 2029.