Secrets of noisy volcanoes revealed
Erupting volcanoes are an orchestra of noise at low frequencies, and super-sensitive microphones pick up the transmissions.
The noise contains valuable information for scientists who monitor and study volcanoes.
David Fee, a volcanologist at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, will explain more at his talk, “Noisy Volcanoes: Jets, Explosions and Tremors," Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 7 p.m. in the Westmark Fairbanks Hotel and Convention Center. The presentation is the fourth in the 2014 Science for Alaska Lecture Series.
Fee researches infrasound, or low-frequency sound waves, to understand volcanic eruptions. Eruptions pose a threat to Alaska communities and air travel. He blends the infrasound information with seismic, satellite, thermal and other data for a better understanding of volcanic events.
The Geophysical Institute has hosted the lecture series for 22 years. This year, the Alaska Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research is also a sponsor. The lecture series will feature current research on aurora, remote sensing, noisy volcanoes, melting glaciers and the greening Arctic. Scientists presenting the lectures are on the forefront of their fields and will focus on projects relevant to Alaska. Lectures will continue on Tuesday evenings through Feb. 25.
All lectures are free. Following each lecture, audience members will have an opportunity to meet the scientists and ask questions.