Science on Tap at the Kiggins: Volcanoes in the Pacific Northwest

The next in-person Science on Tap at the Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St., Vancouver, will be “Lava, Mudflows and Ash: Volcanoes in the Pacific Northwest,” at 7 p.m. Sept. 21. Tickets range from $10 to $45. Complete details are available at scienceontaporwa.org/events/kiggins_sep_21_volcanoes/. This event is in-person only and will not be livestreamed. Vaccine cards are required and checked at entry. Masks are recommended.

The Cascades Range is home to many volcanoes, but how active and dangerous are they? What are the greatest hazards from volcanoes in the Pacific Northwest, who monitors them, and how?

Jon Major, scientist-in-charge at the US Geological Survey Cascades Volcano Observatory in Vancouver, explores volcanic processes associated with volcanic eruptions and their aftermath, provides insights on the greatest threats posed by the Cascades volcanoes, and reveals how our regional volcanoes are monitored and why. The great 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens fundamentally changed how scientists viewed volcanic eruptions. The four decades since have seen significant advancements in our understanding of volcanic histories, processes, hazards, monitoring capabilities, and the role that scientists have in communicating with governmental agencies and the public.