New 'social window' opens on volcano field research

June 27, 2013

Marmian Grimes

Marmian Grimes
907-474-7902
6/27/13

Volcano enthusiasts throughout the world can join University of Alaska Fairbanks scientists in the field in Italy via a new "social window" on Facebook. Through July 7, UAF Geophysical Institute professors Peter Webley and Jon Dehn are sharing images and details of the science they are conducting, as well as a glimpse of what field work is like for volcanologists.

Members of the public can log into their personal Facebook accounts and join the event at http://bit.ly/swvolcanoes. Webley and Dehn also plan to do a live interactive feed via Google+ Friday, June 28 at noon, Alaska time. Details on how to participate are available at the Facebook event.

Currently, the only way to to study volcano temperatures and monitor eruptions is through expensive thermal cameras. Webley and Dehn are working on a project that could make technology for monitoring volcano activity more accessible and affordable to individuals and local governments and organizations. To that end, they have spent years recording and studying the active volcanoes Stromboli and Etna.

ADDITIONAL CONTACTS: Andrew Cassel, UAF social media coordinator, 907-474-7571, acassel@alaska.edu.

MG/6-27-13/313-13