Too close for comfort: Measuring volcanoes’ temperatures is hot work

Submitted by Melissa Hart
Phone: (907) 474-7853
01/26/07

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Volcanoes give us important information about their behavior from their temperature. However, getting close enough to take a volcano’s temperature is often a dangerous undertaking. In the past, measurements required the volcanologist to get uncomfortably close to the activity. Recent advances in digital infrared imaging allow volcanologists to measure temperatures from a safe distance and over large areas with infrared cameras.

Jon Dehn, research associate professor of volcanology with the Geophysical Institute at University of Alaska Fairbanks, will give a lecture on Jan. 30 about his work measuring the temperatures of volcanoes.

"Some Like it Hot: Volcanoes in the Infrared"? is the third installment of the 2007 Science for Alaska Lecture Series. The weekly public lectures, coordinated by the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, present the latest scientific findings relevant to all Alaskans. The free, one-hour event begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Westmark Gold Room. All ages are welcome.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

• Information on all lectures and presenters in the 2007 Science for Alaska Lecture Series can be found online at www.scienceforalaska.com.

CONTACT: Jon Dehn, Geophysical Institute at (907) 474-6499. Amy Hartley, Geophysical Institute information officer at (907) 474-5823. Melissa Hart, Geophysical Institute public relations assistant (907) 474-7853.